The vulnerable sacrificed

Global revolutionary changes in the labour market have dramatically reduced employment vacancies, especially for the most disadvantaged people, for example the low skilled, disabled or those mentally affected.

The most disadvantaged need a real equitable living income with incentive payments for approved education and training programs related to real employment positions, not demeaning work-for-the-dole programs and reductions in Centrelink payments.

Australia has a greater economic capacity to provide far more compassionate social security payments than most of the OECD countries.

However, based on the Government Budget proposals and the McLure Interim Report, the most disadvantaged are presented as scapegoats, sacrificial lambs to be slain on the altar for substantial cuts to the social security budget and the budget deficit.