Welfare Support and ‘Sanctions for Non-Compliance’ in a Recessionary World Labour Market: Post-Neoliberalism or Not?
International Journal of Social Security and Workers’ Compensation, Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 29-40, 2010
24 Pages Posted: 3 Feb 2011
Date Written: February 1, 2011
Abstract
During the recent boom in the world economy, many western developed countries, of varying political complexion, adopted neoliberal welfare policies and deregulated labour markets. For the unemployed these reforms were characterised by contracting-out of labour exchange functions (public employment agencies), and strong sanctions for non-compliance with ‘activation’ policies to engage or reconnect social security recipients with the workforce. The 2008 world financial crisis, and policies pursued by a centre-left government in Australia indicate the potential for greater emphasis on social protection, social inclusion, upskilling/training or public value creation. The change of agenda, though not entirely substantive, is worthy of interrogation. This paper reviews Australian progress towards alternative paradigms and prospects of more radical ‘capacity building’ agendas.
Keywords: Post-Neoliberalism, Welfare Reform, Australia, Breach Sanctions
JEL Classification: K10, K14, K31, I30, I31, J20, J60
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation