NewStart

'If JobSeeker was cut, the unemployed would be picking fruit'? Why that's not true

23 Sep 2020

Exploitation and underpayment is rife in fruit picking. The Coronavirus Supplement appears not to have dented the will to work.

Unemployment support will be slashed by $300 this week. This won't help people find work

21 Sep 2020

New analysis shows there is considerable scope to increase JobSeeker payments before they might hinder people's motivation to find paid work.

There's serious talk about a "job guarantee", but it's not that straightforward

13 Jul 2020

Australia has tried it before, in the 1990s. The proportion of participants eventually getting unsubsidised jobs was low.

A basic income for hard times

22 May 2020

The government’s new income support could be strengthened by extending support to migrants, families with children, private tenants, and people on pension payments, says UNSW expert.

Coronavirus supplement: your guide to the Australian payments that will go to the extra million on welfare

26 Mar 2020

Australia's unemployment benefits are now middle of the pack, but the package treats two-income couples badly.

Social protection and the viral recession

20 Mar 2020

So far, Australia’s help for people displaced, self-isolating or ill has been far from generous.

How philosophy 101 could help break the deadlock over drug testing job seekers

12 Sep 2019

We need to look at what's behind arguments for and against drug testing welfare recipients to avoid repeating the same debate, over and over.

Single parents are $271 poorer per fortnight. It's time for a major welfare review

03 Dec 2018

Fixing Newstart isn't enough. We need a comprehensive inquiry into our complex and bewildering social security system, especially as it applies to single parents.

Time to boost dole

21 Jan 2011

Many unemployed Australians will continue to live in poverty unless the government acts on the recommendations of the Henry Review, says Professor Peter Whiteford.