Fed: Welfare report recommends expansion of mutual obligation

AAP General News (Australia)
08-16-2000
Fed: Welfare report recommends expansion of mutual obligation

Every welfare recipient of workforce age will have to take part in a community activity
or risk losing benefits under a sweeping reform plan for Australia's welfare net.

The long-awaited report by the government-appointed welfare reform group, chaired by
Mission Australia chief PATRICK MCCLURE, has outlined a radical overhaul of the $50 billion
a year social security net.

The report says the existing network is too disjointed and lacks incentives to coax
people on welfare back into paid work.

But along with cash rewards for moving back into employment, the recommendations also
include tougher hurdles for welfare targeting sole parents and people on disability pensions.

Family and Community Services Minister JOCELYN NEWMAN says the report isn't about punishing
those on welfare or slashing costs, but rather about encouraging participation.

Mr MCCLURE says his review would take at least 5-10 years and possibly up to $1 billion
to implement.

AAP RTV rft/mfh/et/jn

KEYWORD: WELFARE REPORT (CANBERRA)

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