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Author: Frank Quinlan

  • INTERNATIONAL

    Why Tony Abbott is right about welfare

    • Frank Quinlan
    • 03 April 2011
    34 Comments

    In a recent interview on ABC radio, Abbott argued that work isn't just about the economy, it's also about individual welfare and the social fabric. He's right to point out that the Disability Support Pension focuses too much on what recipients can't do and not enough on what they can.

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  • AUSTRALIA

    A plan to overcome poverty

    • Frank Quinlan
    • 11 November 2010
    9 Comments

    Currently, we have national plans for such things as defence, conservation and management of sharks, national broadband, combating pollution of the sea, and recovery of the south-eastern red-tailed black cockatoo. It's time we had a national plan to overcome poverty.

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  • AUSTRALIA

    Inside Canberra's Catholic lobby

    • Frank Quinlan
    • 18 August 2010
    11 Comments

    This election we consider a PM who is doubted because of her atheism, an Opposition Leader who is doubted for being too 'Catholic', and the Greens who are doubted as being anti-Christian. Church social agencies have been involved in important issues with each of these groups.

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  • AUSTRALIA

    What welfare policies?

    • Frank Quinlan
    • 30 July 2010
    7 Comments

    The current kind of content-free campaigning, appealing to popular biases and stereotypes, has real consequences for the social services sector and the people they serve.

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  • AUSTRALIA

    The Budget of social exclusion

    • Frank Quinlan
    • 12 May 2010
    23 Comments

    If a 'fiscally responsible Budget' can increase spending on Australia's representatives in elite sports by $237 million, it is hard to imagine that there is not room somewhere for our unemployed to eat a little better.

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  • AUSTRALIA

    Beating poverty is up to the Government

    • Frank Quinlan
    • 07 May 2010
    1 Comment

    'Poverty alleviation is a national goal that should be financed by the national government,' argues the Henry report. This sentence cuts through years of evasion and obfuscation. Poverty is back on the agenda, and it's the Federal Government's responsibility.

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  • AUSTRALIA

    Irresponsible reporting misleads on welfare quarantining

    • Frank Quinlan
    • 17 December 2009
    3 Comments

    Governments are likely to grasp at feeble evidence in order to support preferred policy positions. When reporting on issues such as welfare quarantining as part of the Intervention, The Australian and the ABC ought to read further than the Minister's press release.

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  • AUSTRALIA

    Budget stumbles on social inclusion

    • Frank Quinlan
    • 13 May 2009
    3 Comments

    Rudd Labor's first Budget last year seemed to indicate a turn towards a fairer Australia. After the scripted theatre of pre-budget leaks, secure lock-ups and dazzling announcements are stripped away, the 2009–10 Budget indicates we may be waiting for a long time yet.

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  • AUSTRALIA

    Budget could mark switch to fairness

    • Frank Quinlan
    • 15 May 2008
    4 Comments

    The Rudd Government's first budget may mark a shift towards a more inclusive Australia. If we are to ensure that all Australians can live a fairer, more dignified life there is still much to be done. Time will tell whether the momentum can be sustained.

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  • AUSTRALIA

    The trouble with welfare reform miracles

    • Frank Quinlan
    • 16 December 2007
    1 Comment

    If Australians want their government to move single parents off welfare and reduce child poverty at the same time then it’s going to cost money.

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  • AUSTRALIA

    Making obligation mutual

    • Frank Quinlan
    • 14 November 2007

    For the unemployed, single parents and people with disabilities, mutual obligation is about pushing income support recipients into the labour market. It’s a combination of help and hassle — but with the emphasis increasingly on hassle.

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  • AUSTRALIA

    More than enough ministerial discretion

    • Frank Quinlan
    • 22 August 2007
    1 Comment

    Flawed process and flawed substance characterise the Northern Territory emergency response legislation, which has been rushed through Parliament in the past fortnight. It raises major questions about whether our parliamentary processes ensure adequate scrutiny of poposed legislation.

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