The current safety net is outdated. It was designed for an economy with one type of job in mind – full-time, 9-to-5 employment – and with high barriers to employment, such as interviews and résumés. But the economy is changing, with new technologies that seamlessly connect willing and able labor to the demand for work.

This blog post argues that previous reforms of the income support system, coupled with a stable unemployment rate, have been successful in reducing dependence on welfare for the working age population.

New research released by the Australia Institute today shows that government moves to cut unemployment benefits will put recipients at 32% below the poverty line. The research also highlights staggering inequality in Australia where the ten richest Australian families have the same wealth as the poorest 3.9 million Australians combined.

SVA have developed an evidence-informed perspective on what is required to increase the number of jobs that people experiencing disadvantage can access; to match disadvantaged jobseekers with the right employers, and to give employers and jobseekers the support and services they need to overcome barriers to sustainable employment.

There are calls for whichever party wins the weekend's election to take a good look at the work for the dole scheme operating in remote Australia. Service providers continue to raise concerns about the scheme. They're now worried Indigenous people are leaving remote communities to escape the program and that young people aren't signing up...