ParentsNext program comes under fire from single mothers who say it 'makes life harder'
ABCThousands of single mothers across Australia have been moved onto the Federal Government's ParentsNext program, but women like Cara Weymouth say it is making life harder and threatens to cost them the welfare payments they depend on. Key points: The ParentsNext program is under fire from single mothers for requiring parents to meet compulsory activities targets A demerit point scheme means parents risk losing Centrelink payments if they do not comply The Government says the program has had "overall positive results" Ms Weymouth is juggling raising her sons Rydland, 3, and Josh, 9, with occasionally caring for her grandmother and working about 10 hours a week in online customer service to make ends meet. Government does not want Australians stuck in 'life of welfare' Jenny Davidson from the Council of Single Mothers said the ParentsNext program needed to change. "Whether it's through education and training, work readiness activities, or other assistance, ParentsNext helps parents with the assistance they need to get back into the workforce once their youngest child turns six years of age.
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