Tony Abbott defends his ‘try before you buy’ reference to long-term unemployed

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has conceded suggesting employers “try before you buy” when hiring the long-term unemployed may fall foul of the “canons of sensitivities” but has stopped short of apologising for the remark.
Appearing on ABC radio in Adelaide on Thursday, Mr Abbott was challenged about his choice of language when describing the revamped work for the dole scheme a day earlier.
“These are people, not a pair of shoes,” noted the interviewer.”It’s a figure of speech, it’s a figure of speech and from time to time I’ve fallen foul of the canons of sensitivities and I’ll try my best not to,” the Prime Minister responded.
“The good thing is that ACOSS actually liked the policy and that’s the important thing.”
Mr Abbott urged employers attending a Queensland Chamber of Commerce event on Wednesday to take advantage of the program in which a person receiving Newstart will be placed in a business to work up to four weeks for no private pay.
The Prime Minister described it as “work experience” for the unemployed “at no cost” to employers.
“It gives you a chance to have a kind of ‘try before you buy’ look at unemployed people,” he said.
According to the budget papers, $18 million will be spent over four years supporting 6000 jobseekers per year to work for free for businesses while still receiving the dole, which is $37 per day. Those participating are eligible for a government supplement worth an extra $1.50 per day.