Australian Social Policy and the Human Services

Abstract

Australian Social Policy and the Human Services contends that human services practitioners benefi t from understanding the relationship between social policy, the human services and their own practices. In this comprehensive introduction to the subject, readers are encouraged to develop their policy literacy , or critical understanding of the development, implementation and evaluation of social policies in specifi c areas.The book emphasises the links between policy and practice, and the importance of developing the capacity to deliver services and advocate for improved social policy in line with principles of equity and social justice.

Rising wealth and income inequality in Australia and New Zealand: A radical social work critique and response

“…Since the early 1980s, however, in the wake of various crises and globalisation, there has been a retreat from social provision on the part of nation-states in favour of neoliberal THEORETICAL RESEARCH ORIGINAL ARTICLE market solutions. Today, economic policies in the OECD vary widely in their regulation or liberalisation of market forces and social policy approaches are likewise varied in their targeting of disadvantage (Carson & Kerr, 2014).…”

“…The latter involved government welfare measures (funded by progressive taxation transfers), in which Aotearoa New Zealand arguably had a more comprehensive system than Australia. Equity-promoting measures included state education, public health outlay, pensions, anti-racial and anti-gender discrimination legislation, national disability insurance, family services and allowances, and paid parental leave (Carson & Kerr, 2014). However, the past 30 years of economic restructuring has seen a considerable diminution in both industrial regulation and public provision in Australasia, whereas executive salaries and corporate profits continue to rise.…”

Refocusing on Early Intervention and Family Support: A Review of Child Welfare Reforms in New South Wales, Australia

“…Family support and child welfare services for children and families in need and children at risk of maltreatment and neglect tended to be limited. Much provision in these areas was provided by third sector agencies which operated in fragmented ways, providing targeted social support to specific groups, children and families, and were largely delivered by low paid and low status practitioners (Carson and Kerr, 2014); while child protection services responded to child maltreatment and neglect concerns, and tended to provide short-term family casework orientated towards achieving ‘good enough parenting and family functioning’ to warrant withdrawal of child protection services (AIHW, 1993: 71). These features had broad historical roots, such as in terms of the British colonial legacy, residual welfare tendencies and conservative family policies (Jamrozik, 2009).…”

“…Emphasis on parental responsibilities in relation to children and traditional gender roles led to limited public support for working mothers or state provided social care, childcare and family support services (O'Connor et al , 1998: 21). Further, healthcare and social services have long been largely provided by private and third sector agencies in Australia, supported by state funding and universal healthcare insurance (Jamrozik, 2009; Carson and Kerr, 2014). However, the ascending influence of neo-liberalism in the 1990s was another factor.…”

“…Following a period of centre-left social welfare and family support, developments under the Labor Hawke Government (1983-91), the Federal Liberal-National Howard Coalition Government (1996)(1997)(1998)(1999)(2000)(2001)(2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007), pursued neo-liberal reforms with more rigour, and returned to socially conservative family policies. Social policies in this era reduced living wage agreements in the labour market, restricted state welfare provision to a greater extent, introduced conditional welfare measures, outsourced social welfare services to third sector providers, extended private sector provision such as in childcare and introduced New Public Management (NPM) reforms and cost-efficiency strategies (Carson and Kerr, 2014).…”