Prime Minister Tony Abbott has said he wants his government to be the best friend of Australian workers while addressing CEDA’s State of the Nation conference at Parliament House in Canberra.
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I want this Government to be the best friend that the workers of Australia have ever had and making it more likely that more Australians will join the workforce is part of that," he said.
Outlining the Government's budget measures, Mr Abbott said the government wants more people to contribute to Australia through work.
"The new Government wants more Australians to be economic contributors as well as social and cultural contributors and the best way for that to happen is through work," he said.
Mr Abbott also said new welfare policies mean "the days of doing nothing on the taxpayer are over".
"The era of something for nothing is no more," he said.
Welfare reforms will be introduced from July 1, 2014 for job seekers between 18 and 30 years old.
"Under these reforms, young jobseekers, at any time, may commence eligible study or training to receive Youth Allowance for students until this is completed," he said.
Mr Abbott also said from July 1, 2015 work for the dole will become a fully national scheme.