PM attacked over work for dole remarks

Tony Abbott is under fire for telling businesses they can have a "try before you buy" look at taking on unemployed Australians under work for the dole changes.

"I think this is good for you, it gives you the opportunity to get staff who want to have a go," the prime minister said in Brisbane on Wednesday of changes that will allow unemployed people to do up to four weeks work experience without losing welfare benefits.

Greens senator Rachel Siewert said the remarks were dehumanising and "yet another completely insensitive remark" by Mr Abbott.