Response from Monika Baker
Secretary Unemployed People's Movement against Poverty Inc.
Convener and Action Spokesperson of the ANOU

We, the Unemployed People's Movement against Poverty suggest a discussion on how to develop an alternatiove economy which includes models for social security.
Having just returned from Germany, where the debate about a new welfare and employment assistance system is on, I can see that the welfare/industrial reform movement is worldwide.
Now is a good opportunity dto develop policies and new ideas, which could be introduced to parties before the enxt election, so we have a true alternative to offer.
I suggest we hold the discussion in form of Open Space TEchnolgy Meetings, no forums, no speeches, no papers, only equal participation for invited participants in accordance with a tight set of rules. Have to find the website first and will send you a link, if you haven't heard about it this technique so far.

I am tired of listening to the experts without having the opportunity to debate and bring different ideas together.
Having just returned from Europe where I had contact with the Anti-Poverty Movement and unemployment groups it is clear that there are useful and better ideas than came from the McClure Report to alleviate unemployment and lift the level of skills of existing employees. We should collect and discuss these ideas.
Anyway, these are our ideas, the economy, social welfare, industrial relations and alternative energies and environmental protection needs to come together in the policy area.
We would be happy to make a contribution to these issues.
As the convener of the Australian National Organisation of the Unemployed (ANOU) I would also like to see that unemployed organisations around Australia would be given the opportunity to meet to strengthen our role and voice. Frank Costanza from Queensland is one of the members or affiliates of the ANOU. As an unfunded group, with only the poorest affiliateswe do not have the money to organise and travel to a convention. Maybe we could work together to find the funds and create an event where we can have a roile and have part of the time to organise our peak body.
We would like to create a OPen Space Technology Conference on unemployment actions and development of policies we want to stand for.
So here are a few comments from the Unemployed in SA (and national)

Kind regards Monika Baker