The Australian has stressed that Australia needs a more dynamic labour market, a reform that dovetails with a necessary streamlining of the welfare system for the ultimate budget balance.
The task for the government is to set the right carrots and sticks, then retreat in the hope of a culture of self-reliance taking hold as more people make the transition from welfare to jobs.
It's time to revisit last year's McClure report on welfare reform. The report by former Mission Australia chief Patrick McClure sensibly suggested a simplifying of the system with its 20 welfare payments and 55 supplements.
Also under way this month is cabinet consideration of a New Zealand-style program to prevent long-term reliance on welfare payments. The idea is to intervene early, getting young unemployed people, single parents and young carers back into the workforce.
The upfront cost would be more than offset by long-term savings, if implemented properly.
