Social Security and Welfare Rights: What Role for Social Work?
SOCIAL WORK IN THE SHADOW OF THE LAW - 4TH EDITION, Simon Rice, Andrew Day, ed., Federation Press, pp. 343-368, 2014
21 Pages Posted: 6 Aug 2014 Last revised: 25 Oct 2016
Date Written: August 5, 2014
Abstract
This chapter examines the role of external review of social security decisions in the context of changed philosophies (neoliberalism and mutuality) and administrative arrangements characteristic of the contemporary Australian welfare state. It reviews the various ways in which informal advocacy and general social work advice and supports may assist in the realisation of the right to social security before administrative review tribunals such as the SSAT and AAT. It argues that such external assistance and advice is vital to the protection of the interests of a very vulnerable section of society.
Keywords: social security; administrative review; social work; lay advocacy and advice; neoliberal welfare
JEL Classification: K10, K30
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation