Controversial UK Channel 4 Programme Benefits Street is set to get an Australian makeover, but leaders strongly oppose the move as an 'unhealthy development'.
The documentary, which focuses on the residents of James Street in Birmingham, UK, has drawn huge controversey for it's depiction of those on welfare and benefits. MPs have slammed the show as 'demonizing the poor' and misleading those who took part, with one newspaper reporter describing it as 'medieval stocks updated for a modern format'. Many people have accused the editors of the show of trying to portray people on benefits as lazy, alcoholics and drug addicts who are happy to not work and 'sponge off of taxpayers.'
Australian opposition leader Bill Shorten warned that filming a version of the show in Australia would be an 'unhealthy development'. He also spoke out against the idea that "people are getting a better deal by not working." and accused the government of dividing the classes further by insinuating that those on welfare were 'less than human'.
Shorten suggested a better plan would be to open up the job market, encourage talks about growth and development, as well as more help with small business start-ups instead of punishing those who can't find work.
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