The extent of poverty and social exclusion in Australia is measured using data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey. For each individual, the authors construct a measure of social exclusion that recognises its multidimensionality, including its potential variability in depth at a point in time and in persistence over time...

For many jobseekers low-paid work is in itself not a good stepping stone towards a better job, so the policy focus has thus shifted from helping welfare recipients to obtain jobs, to supporting employment in quality jobs that offer opportunities for wage and career progression. This paper looks at career aspirations among Australians who have...

This report highlights key federal taxation areas requiring reform, with brief case studies illustrating the inequities, and presents a number of recommendations for a fairer system. The Brotherhood is urging the new federal government to examine options to create a fairer, simpler and a more efficient tax system that maximises economic and social participation.

Getting the long-term jobless into mainstream employment is a major challenge for Australian governments, especially in areas of concentrated disadvantage. The Brotherhood’s approach, also used effectively overseas, is to use an 'intermediate labour market' (ILM) as a bridge between long-term unemployment and the mainstream labour market. This research report presents initial findings about the effectiveness...

The traditional 'coming of age' is a longer and less clear-cut process for this generation of young people, who often enjoy the benefits of more study, but also less secure job prospects according to Martina Boese and Rosanna Scutella. The 'Youth Transition Social Barometer' throws new light on the experiences of young people, particularly the...