ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
A local dole recipient has been left feeling guilty this morning after enjoying one of life’s little luxuries that millions of Australians enjoy each week.
Last night at the Betoota Dolphins Leagues Club in the French Quarter, Damien Huskings treated himself to the $9 Steak Special in the bistro.
However, because he’s on the Newstart allowance, he’s not allowed to enjoy anything.
The 23-year-old, who’s been out of work for three months, spoke to our reporters this afternoon about why he’s feeling needlessly guilty.
“I should’ve used that money for drugs,” he said.
“That’s what the government expects us to do with it, right? I had a bit left over because I felt OK enough this week to go without my medication. So I spent $9 on dinner, which is incredibly reckless,”
“This morning, I just feel like such a piece of shit for spending that much money on dinner. I could’ve just gone home and microwaved a few potatoes. People on Newstart aren’t allowed to have nice things. You have to work for nice things.”
Damien then excused himself from the table to write an apology to Scott Morrison before sending it to his official Facebook account.
More to come.
