Community Attitudes Towards Unemployment, Activity Testing and Mutual Obligation

摘要: Those elements of activity testing described as ‘mutual obligation’ are becoming increasingly important in social security policy towards unemployed people. In order to provide more information about public attitudes this policy, the SPRC included a set questions its survey on Coping with Economic and Social Change, carried out 1999. The found broad support for application many, though not all, aspects mutual obligation principles young people and, lesser extent, long-term unemployed. When applied other groups, however, especially older people, those disabilities parental responsibilities, was considerably qualified. Respondents made clear distinctions how they viewed requirements appropriate different groups. relation most groups except young, varied according respondents’ age, labour force status, income, education, political affiliation housing tenure. particular, seemed soften while hardened income education levels rose. There also some reconsidering rules eligibility sole parents, but no overwhelming view that should automatically be expected seek paid work when still have children care for. Although there differing views what done unemployment, Australians believe government has an role. sense, see obligations needing mutual, just one-sided burden compliance shouldered by