Shake-up for remote work-for-the-dole

Young jobseekers in rural areas will be encouraged to volunteer at their local school canteen or women's shelters in a shake-up of remote work-for-the-dole program.

A new bill introduced to parliament on Wednesday hands power over welfare payments to local job centres to administer, instead of the Department of Human Services, to boost engagement in the rural work programs.

It will also allow people to earn more before their benefits cut off - from $50 to $650 a week.