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

Sydney Law School Research Paper No. 11/11

24 Pages Posted: 3 Feb 2011

See all articles by Terry Carney AO

Terry Carney AO

The University of Sydney - Faculty of Law

Gaby Ramia

University of Sydney Business School

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

Carney AO, Terry and Ramia, Gaby, Welfare Support and ‘Sanctions for Non-Compliance’ in a Recessionary World Labour Market: Post-Neoliberalism or Not? (February 1, 2011). International Journal of Social Security and Workers’ Compensation, Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 29-40, 2010, Sydney Law School Research Paper No. 11/11, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1753362

Terry Carney AO (Contact Author)

The University of Sydney - Faculty of Law ( email )

New Law Building, F10
The University of Sydney
Sydney, NSW 2006
Australia

Gaby Ramia

University of Sydney Business School ( email )

Cnr. of Codrington and Rose Streets
Sydney, NSW 2006
Australia

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