Combat youth unemployment with national service.
That's what Palmer United Party senator-elect Jacqui Lambie suggests.
The former Australian Army soldier who joins the upper house in July wants to see a greater utilisation of military national service.
"You can put them in for 12 months, I'm not saying they sign on for war," she told ABC TV on Monday night.
Such a stint would arm young people with valuable experience for the workforce, Ms Lambie said.
"It's got to be better than being on the dole."
Ms Lambie said she hasn't discussed her plan with party leader Clive Palmer or other PUP colleagues, but wanted to throw the idea into the public arena.
She said volunteer and charity sectors are also crying out for manpower.
"We need to do a bit of tough love," Ms Lambie said.
"If you're not going to go out and volunteer yourself for charity services ... then you know what, it's time to cut your dole back."
The idea does not stretch to conscription, but Ms Lambie said young people should stand for their country.
"If war shows up on our shores then we're in trouble," she added, citing a shortage of military personnel.
