The APS made this submission to a 2014 Government report on Welfare Reform: A New System for Better Employment and Social Outcomes.
The APS was concerned about its impact on the most vulnerable, and the submission focussed in particular on the impact of the proposed changes on three groups – women, young people and those with mental health issues.
The submission argued that proposals to expand mutual obligation and income management approaches and related programs are not evidence-based, and risk undermining the autonomy and decision-making ability of individuals, which as well as being a fundamental human right, is essential to psychological health and wellbeing.
A number of recommendations were made to ensure a better balance between support, encouragement and compliance than the measures proposed in the report.
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