Compulsory Income Management in Australia and New Zealand: More Harm than Good?

This book examines the consequences of income management policies in Australia and New Zealand, exploring the lived experience of those dependent on government conceptions of 'responsible behavior.' It analyzes whether the positive intentions and benefits of these schemes outweigh the negative impacts that deepen poverty and stigma. The study considers the future of this form of welfare conditionality and addresses broader questions of fairness and social justice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 236 pages
Publication date: 16 June 2022
Publisher: Bristol University Press

More than a decade after their inception, this book examines the impact of income management policies in Australia and New Zealand. Based on a comprehensive three-year study, it delves into the lived experiences of individuals whose core welfare benefits and services are contingent upon government notions of 'responsible behavior.' The analysis aims to assess whether the purported positive intentions and benefits of these schemes outweigh the negative consequences that exacerbate poverty and stigmatize marginalized and disadvantaged groups. This innovative study explores the future of this welfare conditionality and raises broader questions of fairness and social justice.

Introduction:
Income management policies, introduced in various countries as part of welfare reform initiatives, aim to address poverty and promote responsible behavior among recipients. These policies typically involve imposing restrictions on the amount of income and assets that individuals can receive, as well as mandating participation in specific programs and activities. While these policies have been implemented with the best intentions, their impact on individuals and communities has been a subject of debate and controversy.

The Lived Experience of Income Management Policies:
This book seeks to shed light on the lived experience of those who are directly affected by income management policies. Through a comprehensive three-year study, the authors aim to capture the perspectives and experiences of individuals who rely on core welfare benefits and services. The study aims to understand the challenges and barriers that these individuals face, as well as the impact of income management policies on their daily lives.

The Analysis:
The book analyzes whether the officially claimed positive intentions and benefits of income management policies are outweighed by the negative impacts that deepen poverty and stigmatize marginalized and disadvantaged groups. The authors examine the evidence from various sources, including government reports, research studies, and interviews with individuals and community organizations. The analysis aims to provide a balanced and nuanced understanding of the effects of income management policies on individuals and communities.

The Future of Income Management Policies:
The book also considers the future of income management policies and addresses wider questions of fairness and social justice. The authors explore the potential benefits and risks of these policies, as well as the need for ongoing evaluation and improvement. They suggest that income management policies should be tailored to individual needs and circumstances, and that efforts should be made to address the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to poverty.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about income management policies. Through a comprehensive and empathetic analysis, it sheds light on the lived experiences of those who are directly affected by these policies. The book challenges the notion that income management policies are solely about promoting responsible behavior and highlights the negative impacts that these policies can have on individuals and communities. By addressing wider questions of fairness and social justice, the book offers insights into the potential for reform and improvement in income management policies.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447361497