Social Security Law: What Does the Politics of 'Conditional Welfare' Mean for Review and Client Representation?

Abstract

This paper reflects on aspects of the meaning of new social security as ‘conditional welfare’ (such as welfare quarantining) and its implications for client rights, advocacy and public policy accountability. The paper considers the rising reliance on conditional welfare and related measures such as ‘linked’, localized or place-based welfare, and the increasing complexity of welfare discretions. The paper essentially makes the argument that it is past time to begin to debate the pros and cons for Australia of conditional welfare as it impacts on administrative law and new forms of welfare advocacy.

Keywords: conditional welfare, new welfare, reviews and appeals, new advocacy, complexity and change

JEL Classification: K10, K30