We've seen widespread criticism of the budget (some of it on this blog!), particularly around cuts to social policy and the (potential) removal of the safety net. While critique is important, Prof. Paul Smyth from the University of Melbourne draws our attention to the lack of feasible alternatives put forth in post-budget commentary. In particular, Paul urges us to think wider than individual social policies to begin to (re)image what the Australian welfare state should look like for this century.
Read MorePrevious blog posts have reflected on the severity of the Federal Budget cuts. One of the groups that will be disproportionately impacted is single mothers and their children, with cuts to payments as well as other supports.
In this post*, Tenar Dwyer from the Council for Single Mothers and their Children responds to the budget from her organisations perspective.
Read MoreIt's been a long week for many working in the public policy space. But as the dust slowly settles on the Federal budget, it is worthwhile reflecting on the capacity for good policy process. In this policy Q & A, Shorna Moore (Senior Policy Lawyer, Wyndham Legal Service) writes about what it takes to gain traction and create change when advocating to governmen
Read MoreThe Federal budget has been controversial and divisive. Sold as a measure to manage a ‘budget crisis’ , Joe Hockey’s first budget will come as a hard blow for many disadvantaged, low income and vulnerable Australians. But beneath the rhetoric and justifications, we can see a familiar political goal. In this comprehensive article below, Professor David Hayward (RMIT University) delves into the underlying story shaping the 2014/15 budget:
Read MoreIn part two of our budget wrap-up, the CEO of VCOSS and the team at Good Shepherd Social Policy and Research Unit sum up the key societal costs and implications of the Federal budget:
Out of balance: Tanya Corrie, Kathy Landvogt, Susan Maury and Denis Sheehan, Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service
Read MoreThis is the first of our posts featuring 2014-15 budget reactions from policy experts, academics and the community sector. Below, Denis Fitzgerald and The Hon. Brian Howe reflect on critical themes such as health, ageing, and implications for social justice:
‘Solidarity, rather than walls’: Denis Fitzgerald, Executive Director, Catholic Social Services Victoria
Read MoreThe 2014 Victorian Budget was announced last week. Like its Commonwealth counterpart, both budgets have been preceded by extensive pre-release of information, and much speculation. In the lead up to Treasurer Joe Hockey's announcement of the national budget, Denis Fitzgerald (Executive Director, Catholic Social Services Victoria) takes stock of what is happening in Victoria:
Read MoreIn the lead up to the federal budget, Gavin Dufty (Manager of Policy and Research, St Vincent de Paul Society, Victoria) and Erwin Jackson (Deputy CEO, The Climate Institute) write on an often overlooked aspect of poverty:
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