Labor frontbencher Ed Husic has refused to guarantee the controversial Work for the Dole employment program would survive under a Labor government.



"I've been appalled by the government's endless parade of 'toughness', which they think the public wants when it comes to Work for the Dole," Husic told BuzzFeed News.

"I think the public just wants results and Work for the Dole isn't delivering."

When asked if Work for the Dole would survive in a Shorten government, Husic refused to guarantee Labor would continue the program, which he says has continued to fail unemployed young people.



"Programs have to be able to stand on their own two legs and demonstrate that they're working," he said. "They're not guaranteed an eternal life."

The shadow employment services and workforce participation minister has slammed Work for the Dole's poor safety record, including the death of 18-year-old Josh Fing-Park from head injuries at Toowoomba Showgrounds in April 2016.

"For someone to lose their life in Work for the Dole is unthinkable and truly devastating," Husic said.

The tragedy occurred 658 days ago, and employment minister Michaela Cash has failed to release any details on what concrete action the government has taken improve safety.

Forensic teams from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland investigated Park-Fing's death but have yet to complete their final report. The Department of Employment provided an internal report to employment minister Michaelia Cash in September 2016, which she has refused to release publicly.



Cash insists that workplace safety practices have been updated to ensure the protection of young people taking part in the program.

Husic thinks it's "frightening" how little the government is doing to address safety concerns.

"It's deeply concerning that the government hasn't seen fit to release any information to reassure everyone that serious changes to assure the safety of the Work for the Dole program have been made," Husic said. "When you have concerns over safety you always hope your worst fears don't come true."