Those aged 18 to 30 will be required to work 25 hours per week while people aged 31 to 49 will have to work 15 hours

This article is more than 6 years old

This article is more than 6 years old

Almost all jobseekers will be required to work for the dole under tough new federal government rules expanding the scheme.

The government is making it mandatory for jobseekers aged 18 to 49 to work for their welfare payments from July 1, 2015.

Those aged 18 to 30 will be required to work 25 hours per week while people aged 31 to 49 will have to work 15 hours.

Those over 50 will have the option of participating in the program.

The new rules will ensure jobseekers are actively looking for work, assistant employment minister Luke Hartsuyker says.

"It also allows jobseekers to give something back to the taxpayers and community that supports them," he said on Sunday.

Work for the dole currently applies to jobseekers aged up to 30, who have been out of work for a year, in 18 locations of high unemployment around the country.

They have to work 15 hours per week for six months to receive welfare payments.

The expanded scheme is part of a new employment services model to be announced by Hartsuyker and the employment minister, Eric Abetz, on Monday.

While some aspects will come under legislation, it's understood the new work for the dole rules could still be implemented if the Senate rejects them.

The Australian Greens said there was nothing to prove that work for the dole was effective. It failed to address barriers to employment such as lack of available jobs and training or discrimination.

"This announcement is all about punishing people," Greens family and community spokeswoman, Rachel Siewert said on Sunday. "If jobs aren't available, it is nonsense to say people have to apply for at least a job a day."