In the lead-up to the Federal Election, we are running a series on specific asks for policy change at the federal level. The Federal Government has made it clear they continue to support compulsory income management; there is disproportionate targeting of Indigenous people, with Indigenous women’s experiences of such programs replicating colonial control and abuse. More broadly, there are serious concerns about the gendered impacts of compulsory income management schemes and their effects on the wellbeing of children and families. Today’s analysis by Priya Kunjan (@PriyaKunjan) and the policy team at the Accountable Income Management Network (@AIMNau) provides a specific policy ask of the Federal Government – put an end to the Cashless Debit Card and BasicsCard and invest the money in ways that will make a lasting community change.
Read MoreIn this post, Miqdad Asaria, Joan Costa-Font and Frank Cowell (London School of Economics) present their research on a seldom discussed topic - people’s aversion to income and health inequality in society. They argue that COVID-19 has made people more averse to inequalities, particularly if they have had COVID-19 themselves.
Read MoreMaiy Azize explains the important lessons of Anglicare Australia ‘s recent study of attitudes towards welfare and poverty for how anti-poverty advocates can use language effectively. Boldly stating our support for all people in poverty, as well as focussing on their strength and resilience are two key recommendations.
Read MoreWith recent inquiries into many aspects of the Coalition government’s welfare reforms, including jobactive and ParentsNext, a more foundational question is raised: What is the point of aggressive and austere policies? In today’s piece, Policy Whisperer Susan Maury (@SusanMaury) of Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand (@GoodAdvocacy) employs a psychological frame to examine why putting people into crisis is counterproductive.
Read MoreIn this post, first published in the Conversation, Professor Peter Whiteford explains the effects of government benefits and taxes on household income, including the impact on income inequality.
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