Senator ABETZ (Tasmania—Leader of the Government in the Senate, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service and Minister for Employment) (14:42): I share Senator Siewert's concern for youth unemployment. All unemployment is a scourge. It is something that we all should be united in overcoming in this chamber, especially for the young people of our nation, who are seeking to make their way. That is why as a first item of business this government is concerned with restoring the economy. Restoring the economy includes getting rid of the carbon tax, getting rid of the mining tax, getting rid of red and green tape, reintroducing the Australian Building and Construction Commission and all the other changes we have made, including trying to get the budget back into shape. Turning to the specifics of workforce exclusion: that, of course, is a real blight, and I might say that, for young people, the figure you quoted of about 12½ per cent I think might be 13½. That is still too high, but in some areas like North Adelaide and my home state of Tasmania it is considerably higher. That is why the government is concerned with doing everything it possibly can to achieve young Australians getting into a job. Part of that includes an enhanced Work for the Dole scheme. It includes an enhanced scheme to assist young apprentices with getting through their apprenticeship. We know that, if young people are able to get through their apprenticeships— The PRESIDENT: Pause the clock. Senator Siewert: Mr President, I rise on a point of order. We have less than 30 seconds left. I would really appreciate it if the minister could address the specific issue, which is around the lack of income support for six months. I am sure the minister understands the nature of my question. How does that relate to work readiness? The PRESIDENT: Thank you. The question was slightly broader than that. The minister is being relevant and he does have 25 seconds left. Minister. Senator ABETZ: The other part of the honourable senator's question related to the McClure report, which the government is considering. It is a very comprehensive review of a range of welfare assistance. We believe certain incentives are needed to get young Australians into work and for them to avail themselves of the opportunities. (Time expired)