Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon has refused to confirm reports the federal government is considering introducing army-style training for the young and unemployed.
Under the proposal, News Limited reports jobless youth would be offered training positions with Department of Defence for a minimum of one month and a maximum of three months in return for additional welfare benefits.
The scheme would also help contain rising unemployment figures and could increase full-time military recruitment.
But Mr Fitzgibbon would not be drawn on whether the initiative would feature in Labor's May 12 budget.
"It will be a budget focused on jobs and nation building in a sustainable way," he told the Nine Network on Sunday.
"Of course, the Australian Defence Force already makes a substantial contribution towards ensuring that young Australians have every opportunity to secure a job."
Mr Fitzgibbon said protecting young Australians from unemployment was a shared departmental responsibility.
"I think there are a range of government departments and agencies that could do more to ensure that we cushion Australia from the impact of the global recession," he said.
livenews.comn.au 3 May 2009
Generally a precursor to war,
and what better use of canon fodder than the useless unemployed people.
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