I dunno what the dole level is now, in monetary terms, but I know a few people on it and like it or lump it it is pretty bad in terms of surviving, particularly these days when there is a little less (in my opinion) of skills around that enable you to live cheaply.
Even with rent allowance I think there is around $50 left over for food transport clothing, education to for skills etc.
I know I can do it but I'd challenge the majority reading this to be able to live easily on that level of dough available.
bludgers etcetera.. well... ya see... when you have that little money... living becomes a full time job... which is not exactly conducive for straightening yerself out and and seeking employment... reasonable clothes are impossible to buy, junk food is the cheapest (when you have no cooking skills) accomodation is substandard, and it is very easy for people to get into a downward spiral and can become increasingly difficult for them to get back out again.
Of course... if we had a stronger sense of community... where people spent more time helping each other out and getting their neighbours etcetera back on their feet things might be a bit different.
In the meantime... it is a lot better to give billions to the banks and other highly useful "businesses" so that profits and money can stay out of the community...
