In his current newsletter, Senator Scullion incorrectly claims the Green Corps program has been abolished under Labor.
Date: 20 July 2009
Senator Trish Crossin today has slammed Senator Nigel Scullion for being loose with the truth in his community newsletter.
Senator Scullion has claimed in his recent newsletter that the Federal Government has ended the Green Corps program for young people seeking employment.
"Not only is the Green Corps program up and running, but from July 1 2009 it has been expanded to include people of all ages, not only youth," Senator Crossin said.
"Job Services Australia, a new employment services system, has rolled seven separate employment services programs, including the Green Corps program, into a "one-stop-shop", allowing them to better meet the needs of job seekers and employers."
The Green Corps Activities allows job seekers to conserve, preserve and restore the Australian environment, whilst providing them with new opportunities to enhance skills and work experience.
"Green Corps activities allow job seekers to participate in a range of tasks which include land, water and wildlife survey and data collection; gardening and landscaping; contributing to local environmental strategies, community education and raising awareness, and learning about natural resource management," said Senator Crossin.
Job seekers may be placed with a team on a group activity with other job seekers, or on an individual placement with a host organisation like a charity or community group.
"Contrary to Senator Scullion's misinformation, the Rudd Government is committed to better access to relevant job services which is targeted to individual circumstances," Senator Crossin said.
For more information on Green Corps, job seekers of all ages can visit the website www.greencorps.gov.au or call the Green Corps hotline 13 62 68.