Government moves to tighten unemployment rules

The Australian government is tired of unemployed people declining a job because it may interfere with their golf plans or dreams of becoming an actor.

The government plans to tighten its rules on who qualifies for unemployment benefits to encourage the jobless - including some with creative excuses to stay off the job - to go to work.

"Australia's income support system is there as a safety net for people who genuinely cannot find a job - not as an option for those who simply refuse to work," Employment Minister Michaelia Cash said.