DOLE PAYMENTS

Evening Star, Issue 21254, 8 November 1932, Page 7

DOLE PAYMENTS

MANY IMPOSTORS IN HEW SOUTH WALES COSTLY SOCIAL SERVICES Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright SYDNEY, November 8. (Received November 8, at 10.30 a.m.) The Assistant Minister of Labour (Mr Hawkins), speaking in the city, said that if it had not been for impositions jt would be possible to give more liberal relief in cases of genuine distress. The official investigations disclosed recently that while the State was spending £5,000,000 per annum on relief, from 20 to 23 per cent, was going to impostors. The Minister said that the cost of the social services to the State was equal to £3 10s per head of the population. In no other State did it exceed £2, The Government, in endeavouring to balance the Budget, had to choose between keeping the benefits at a lower standard and reaching a point at which payments could not bo met. THE QUESTIONNAIRE MINISTRY FORM The State Ministry decided that no foot! relief would be granted unless the recipients signed the necessary application forms. Mr Hawkins said that eighteen months ago Mr Baddeley, then Minister for Labour, approved of an application form for food relief, and this was brought into uso in the metropolis. It was also introduced on the South Coast by Mr Baddeley, but it was withdrawn under pressure. Mr Baddeley apparently did not have the courage to issue it on the northern coalfields. The committee appointed by the Lang Government reported that it estimated the high percentage of impositions at between 20 and 25 per cent, of the recipients. The application form, Mr Hawkins said, did not materially differ from the form issued under Mr Baddeley’s instructions. Of tho thirty-two questions, twenty were covered by tho ojd form. Five others were answered in the declarations signed by recipients. The question which seemed to bo subject to most criticism was one which asked whether tho recipient’s family was residing with him. This was not only included in the form issued by Mr Baddeley, but it was also covered by the declaration which every recipient signed. FORM OF THE QUESTIONS The application form for food relief include the following main questions;— Have you, or any members of your family, previously received Government unemployed food relief. If so, where, and if discontinued, why? Are you married, single, widower, or widow ? Are you residing with your wife-or husband. If not, state reason and give whereabouts of wife or husband. What is your usual occupation? If not born in Australia give (a) name of ship on which you arrived in Australia; (b) date of disembarkation and place. Give name and address of last employer. State date of leaving last employment, giving duration and reason for termination of services. Have you declined employment since that date? What have you earned or received during the last two weeks? Give particulars (age, place of birth, occupation or school attended, income of earnings, last fourteen days) in regard to each member of -your household, (1) living at home, (2) living away from home. If single give names and addresses of parents, and reasons why they cannot support you. Do you own the house in which you reside? If so, attach last rate receipt. If you rent a house or board, state name and address of landlord; and attach last rent or board and lodging receipt. Do you own or lease, or have you an interest in any property or business? Give particulars. Have you or any members of your household any money on hand, in the bank, or otherwise invested? If so, give particulars. What endeavours are you making at present to support yourself and your family, and to what extent are they successful?

Do you possess any livestock, horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, fowls, or ducks? if so, give particulars. Is it possible to assist yourself in growing any vegetables, or other food, on the property on which you reside? If not, furnish reasons.