What ever happened to the 'work for the dole' scheme?

I believe the Howard govt. brought this scheme in a while back, but it didn't last very long (?). In theory, it sounds like a great idea. It gives the unemployed people work experience that they can take into future jobs and it stops 'dole bludgers', so why don't we use it?

I know it has been a debated topic for a while, but i don't really understand where the people that disagree with this scheme are coming from. Any help? Thanks in advance.