Government needs to listen to alternative welfare views

The Alternative Welfare Working Group report released today widens the debate on welfare sustainability, says the CTU. But will the Government listen to their views?

The Alternative Welfare Working Group has identified that for many workers there has been a shift to insecure employment and many workers are struggling to make ends meet in a series of low paid casual and temporary jobs. Beneficiaries are competing for minimum wage low paid casual and poor jobs and many beneficiaries face real and particular barriers to employment.

Eileen Brown, CTU welfare spokesperson, said: “The recommendations that the CTU welcomes are: the promotion of decent jobs; secure employment for decent wages; investment in education; reducing the barriers to paid employment faced by people with mental or physical impairments by active labour market assistance; ensuring benefit levels are adequate to prevent poverty; and the importance to our future wellbeing as a country in investing in improvements in the health, education and income adequacy of families with young children.”

“We strongly concur with the Alternative Welfare Working Group that there is no case to be made for moving to an insurance framework for providing social security.”

The CTU has supported the process of the Alternative Welfare Working Group and applauds their commitment in providing this alternative report.

ENDS

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