AUSTRALIAN ATTITUDES TO UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNEMPLOYED PEOPLE

摘要: Introduction Over the past decade social security policy in Australia towards people of working age has become increasingly conditional on their demonstrating thorough and continuing job search effort. Though work tests have long been part entitlement to unemployment benefits, current regime activity testing moved well beyond earlier requirements. Initial moves this direction began under Labor Government mid- 1980s, but taken much further by Coalition Government. In emphasising `mutual obligation' as a guiding principle recasting for unemployed, Howard argues that it is going with grain public opinion. Is claim justified? Does shift over last reflect movement opinion ? Do Australians support idea benefits should only be available condition unemployed demonstrate ever greater effort: and, if so, does apply across board or particular groups unemployed? More generally, what see responsibilities government fact we know little about how view balance between rights obligations people, although do more attitudinal evidence broader questions relating seekers. This article mainly based evidence. We begin briefly outlining changes decade. then review from polls surveys time significance problem, government, attitudes testing. The obligation first distinct elements new framework emerged Labor's Social Security Review (Cass 1988). line `active society' promoted OECD (Gass 1988; 1990), emphasis active was signalled nomenclature payments, `passive' Unemployment Benefit `active' Newstart Job Seekers' Allowance. Under initial strategy, 1991, intensive individualised seeker interviews were introduced, sanctions noncompliance increased. From 1994, Working Nation expanded labour market programs introduced placement guarantee, along `case management' long-term individual agreements. return, stronger penalties seekers judged not met obligations. When took office 1996 there move away guarantees toward levels seeker, including strengthening test. included requirement provide details activity; an increase issuing Employer Contact Certificates -- used verify seekers' approaches prospective employers; introduction Jobseeker Diary, recording efforts find work. Penalties non-compliance again Coalition's second term seen placed obligation', typified expansion `Work Dole' program young one covering those aged up 34. January 1999 also announced literacy numeracy problems would obliged undertake remedial courses face penalties. Another dimension change progressive contracting out employment assistance private non-government agencies. culminated 1998 creation quasi-market system competitive tendering payment results (the Network). …