Dad sparks debate over "unfair" job ad
<p>A recent job ad on Airtasker has highlighted just how far some parents are willing to go to reserve a public spot in the park.</p>
<p>The job ad offered $50 for someone to sit at a picnic table in Alison Park in Randwick, Sydney for two hours on behalf of a family looking to host a birthday party. </p>
<p>“Planning a kids’ birthday party at Alison Park. We need someone to mind the only picnic table in the park, so essentially, we need someone to sit at the table and reserve the spot for two hours from 7am to 9am,” the user wrote online, with detailed instructions of where to go. </p>
<p>The post was shared in a parenting group on Facebook, where it received mixed reactions. </p>
<p>“First come, first served,” one person commented.</p>
<p>“It’s unfair, you can’t reserve public spaces,” added another.</p>
<p>A few others thought $50 was too "cheap", but despite some backlash, most people were surprisingly supportive of the act. </p>
<p>“Genius! An easy way to earn cash!” said one parent.</p>
<p>“I don’t see any issue with this. It’s a great idea, and the guy is paying for it,” another mum wrote. </p>
<p>Others pointed out that it was a good solution, with one writing: “I also don’t see an issue with this. It’s common practice for people to arrive early to reserve spots and tables at the park for parties. </p>
<p>"Maybe this person doesn’t have any help, so it’s completely fine to pay someone to help them. Of course, it would be nicer if the council had a booking system, but they don’t."</p>
<p>“I don’t think it’s a terrible idea. I actually prefer it when councils have a booking system for tables. It saves people from having to reserve a table all day for a 1pm party and holds them responsible for tidying up afterwards,” another added. </p>
<p>The debate on reserving public spots is not new, with one family even resorting to using<a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/council-cracks-down-on-odd-beach-trend" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> cling-wrap</a> to secure a gazebo at the beach. </p>
<p><em>Image: Randwick Council/ news.com.au</em></p>
