Social Policy in Australia

Paper Summary:

The paper offers a brief discussion of the definition of social policy and then traces the history of the development of welfare policy in Australia. To analyse how efficiently the current delivery of social policy achieves its goal, the paper focuses on the two key welfare policy areas of education and employment. The paper argues that in these key policy areas, the delivery of social policy does not completely fulfil its social goals and aims. The paper contends that social policy is shaped by changing needs and values, thus the delivery of welfare must reflect these changes to ensure efficient and effective social policy.

From the Paper:

"In its common form as it is most often applied, 'social policy' has connotations of equality through the provision of welfare and the redistribution of resources (Graycar & Jamrozik 1993, p. 54). This definition is further extended by McClelland (2006a, p. 7), who adds that social policy involves debates about values, and assumptions of the behaviour of members of a society. The scope of social policy is broad, in that there are a wide-range of factors which influence it. This can include factors such as economic, political, and historical contexts (Jones 1996, p. 30; McClelland 2006a, p. 18). Economic policy, for example, often determines the resource allocation aspects of social welfare policy (Smyth 1994, p. 39). Given this broad scope of social policy, social welfare should be viewed not in isolation, but as part of the broader contexts of a society. This is an important point to consider, as this often affects the aims of a social policy goal, and also the effectiveness of social policy as an instrument."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bell, S & Quiggin, J 2006, 'Employment Policy: Unemployment and Labour Market Insecurity', in A McClelland and P Smyth (eds) Social Policy in Australia: Understanding For Action, Oxford UP, South Melbourne, pp. 147-160.
• Conde, C 2005, 'Smothered by the Security Blanket: Risk, Responsibility and the Role of Government', The Centre For Independent Studies Ltd, NSW.
• Dalton T, Draper M, Weeks W, & Wiseman, J 1996, 'Making Social Policy in Australia: An introduction', Allen & Unwin, St Leonards: NSW.
• DiNitto, D 2005, 'Social Welfare: Politics and Public Policy', Pearson Education, Boston.
• Edwards, M 2001, 'Social Policy, Public Policy', Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest: NSW.

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