Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I support Senator Norris's amendment. I will read it into the record because it merits doing that. The amendment states: "No person shall have his/her jobseeker's allowance reduced on the grounds of refusal to apply for a job unless the job declined is both suitable and appropriate." Such a proposal is never as clear-cut as the Minster intends it to be. Other factors may be worth considering. There is a considerable merit in this amendment. If this measure is interpreted literally, it may be difficult to apply in practical terms and it may not work out as intended. It would be worthwhile for the Minister to consider accepting this amendment. I indicate that I also wish to speak on the section.