Labor, Greens oppose youth intern program

Labor won't support the Turnbull government's controversial youth internship program unless concerns with the legislation are addressed.

The PaTH program, announced in the 2016 budget, seeks to incentivise jobseekers under 25 to do internships by paying them $200 a fortnight on top of income support payments.

A government-dominated Senate committee on Monday has recommended the bill be passed.

Its report, tabled in parliament, acknowledges concerns about the legislation but recommends the Department of Employment publish clear guidance on the program so jobseekers and employers have clarity about their rights and responsibilities.

In a separate dissenting report, Labor says the legislation does not assure the community the program will work well.

It recommends the government provide safeguards protecting participants from exploitation and guaranteeing employers won't churn through participants, threatening the jobs and wages of existing employees.

A Greens dissenting report also recommends the bill not be passed in its current form.