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SEPTEMBER 2021
This update from the BSL Research and Policy Centre (RPC) includes a report and two webinars exploring the role of social security and interconnected systems in enabling Australians to avoid poverty.
Initiatives to address youth unemployment and gaps in aged care are also featured, as well as our latest policy submission relating to clean, affordable energy.
You can read more about our current work at www.bsl.org.au/research and also browse our publications and policy submissions.
Please share this Policy and Research Update with your colleagues and encourage them to subscribe.
You're invited to join us for two upcoming webinars:
- DEAD ENDS; HOW THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM IS FAILING US (28 September)
- SHIFTING THE DIAL ON CHILD AND FAMILY POVERTY (19 October)
See program details below.
WEBINAR DEAD ENDS: HOW THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM IS FAILING US
Tuesday 28 September 2021, 12 noon to 1 pm AEST
People who have been deemed to have ‘partial capacity to work’ now represent about one-third of all those receiving JobSeeker Payment – and the number has been growing.
Join Dr Dina Bowman in conversation with a panel of experts about what needs to change:
- Professor Peter Whiteford, Australian National University
- Associate Professor Karen Soldatic, Western Sydney University
- Natasha Thomson, Australian Federation of Disability Organisations
- Donna Flood, Solicitor, Welfare Rights Centre NSW
REPORT DEAD ENDS FOR PEOPLE WITH 'PARTIAL CAPACITY TO WORK'
People assessed with partial capacity to work face an uncertain future, with inadequate income and little prospect of gaining employment in a competitive labour market. Our report examines the development of the ‘partial capacity to work’ classification and its impact on people’s lives. It calls for policy changes in intersecting systems – especially social security and employment assistance.
Read the report Dead ends: how our social security system is failing people with partial capacity to work (PDF, 622 KB) by Karen Soldatic, Dina Bowman, Maria Mupanemunda & Patrick McGee
WEBINAR SHIFTING THE DIAL ON CHILD AND FAMILY POVERTY
Tuesday 19 October 2021, 12 noon to 1 pm AEST
In Australia, no age group is experiencing poverty more than children. We know adequate income is key to addressing poverty; but we also know that poverty isn't just about money. During Anti-Poverty Week, we will explore what it will take to shift the dial on child and family poverty.
Join Katrina Herbert, BSL Head of Children's Programs, in conversation with:
- Professor Sharon Bessell, Australian National University
- Professor Sharon Goldfeld, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
- David Tennant, CEO, FamilyCare
- Professor Shelley Mallett, BSL Research and Policy Centre and University of Melbourne
POLICY SYSTEM DESIGN FOR YOUTH EMPLOYMENT
As part of BSL’s contribution to the National Youth Employment Body we have conducted System Design workshops for the priority industries of Agriculture & Horticulture, Care, and Transport & Logistics. Thought leaders across systems including industry, community, government, training and careers worked together on a solutions-focused discussion to inform systemic change and policy reform.
View a summary of the post-workshop themes and actions in the System design workshops placemat (PDF, 461 KB)
Read more about the National Youth Employment Body study
PRACTICE CRITICAL INTERIM SUPPORT TO FILL AGED CARE GAP
BSL's Critical Interim Support program provides immediate case management for vulnerable and socially isolated older adults in Melbourne.
The team has recently been recognised in two sets of industry awards. The project was a state finalist in the LASA (Leading Age Services Australia) Excellence in Age Services Awards and a national finalist in the HESTA Team Excellence in Age Care Awards
Read more about the program context and evaluation
POLICY GENERATING CLEAN ENERGY AND REGIONAL JOBS
Offshore wind power presents an important opportunity to generate affordable, clean electricity and create jobs in regional communities. The regulatory framework should include provision for engagement with First Nations peoples and appropriate protections for the environment.
Read our Submission to the Senate Committee inquiry re offshore electricity infrastructure bills (PDF, 217 KB)
Catherine Cheng has joined the Research and Policy Centre as policy advisor in the Work and Economic Security team. She has an honours degree in political science and international relations from the University of Western Australia and a Master of Social Policy from the University of Melbourne.
She worked previously in the Commonwealth Attorney General’s Department in industrial relations policy. Her areas of focus included employee protections, measures to prevent migrant worker exploitation and the implementation of the JobKeeper Payment Scheme.
At BSL Catherine is working on policy relating to income support, employment and women’s economic security.
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BSL Research and Policy Centre
67 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy Vic. 3065 Australia
Phone: (03) 9483 1183
Email: research@bsl.org.au
Web: www.bsl.org.au/research
© Brotherhood of St. Laurence 2021
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The Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) is a social justice organisation that works to prevent and alleviate poverty across Australia. You are receiving this email as you have previously subscribed to the BSL Research and Policy Centre e-newsletter. To unsubscribe, please click on the link below.