That unemployed people are burdened with “mutual obligation” ‘work’ is an abomination. To suggest that volunteering be part of that coercive package is an oxymoron that adds insult to injury.

A small number of people are either incapable or simply don’t want to work. The truth is, the vast majority of unemployed people do want a job. These people are forced to jump through so many time-consuming Centrelink hoops. Adding “mutual obligation” eats into job search time and energy of the majority merely to satisfy a lust for vengeance towards the few.

If there’s real work to be done, make it a proper job and pay a living wage. The Mickey Mouse jobs or slave labour of “mutual obligation” are an insult to the unemployed and injurious to their mental health, making them less rather than more ready for work.

By all means encourage the unemployed to undertake courses, volunteer, or even work for a bit of extra money. But all such endeavours should be voluntary and of each one’s choosing.

We should hang our heads in shame. It is we who are employed or otherwise wealthy who have the obligation to unconditionally help those, usually temporarily, doing it tough.