Welfare Reform on the Web (August 1999): Social Security - Overseas

UNEMPLOYMENT AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY IN AUSTRALIA: TOWARDS A NEW SOCIAL CONTRACT

L. Kerr and H. Savelsberg
Critical Social Policy, vol.19, 1999, p.233-255

The Coalition Party's 'new deal' will continue to provide a cash benefit to unemployed people, but has withdrawn its commitment to labour market programmes, placing instead its faith in the ability of market forces to provide 'real jobs'. Unemployed people will be assessed and will be categorised as suitable for Intensive Employment Assistance or not. Those judged suitable will engage in labour market programmes and actively seek work. Those judged unsuitable will be given the option of volunteering for community service and thereby earn their benefit. Policing of compliance by both groups will be effectively privatised, with the state acting only as guardian of the contract.