This book draws on many traditions: sociology, anthropology, history, moral philosophy, political science, public administration and the human services. It is concerned to present practical suggestions for the future. Whilst recognising that affordability is an important component in the implementation of any policy, this book is not an economic analysis of the Australian income support system. I believe the reason the current Australian system of income support exists, rather than a system embodying an unconditional universal Basic Income, has little to do with economic viability. The current income support system prevails because it is supported by values and ideologies which are held and enforced by the powerful.

This book sets out to examine the nature and manner of delivery of the system of income support available in Australia. It does this by examining the essence of the structure of Australian society. Drawing on the analysis of these structures it attempts to describe the ways in which the ideologies deriving from and underpinning these structures impact upon and shape the system of income support. Then it surveys the impact on less affluent Australians which arise from the way the income support system is constructed.

The concept of ‘need’ is analysed. The manner in which prevailing ideologies control whilst simultaneously supplying benefits is considered. These two complimentary processes are examined in relation to the types of income support provided to people who are unemployed, live in the country, are Indigenous or who have a disability.

For instance, Australian Government ministers frequently claim that the system of income support ‘assist all in need through no fault of their own’. However, when it comes to unemployment benefits not all unemployed people are assisted, not even all poor unemployed people are helped. Unemployed people with few assets and little income can be refused payment on the basis they are deemed ‘dependent’ on another person (parent or spouse). They might be refused because they have failed to establish they are fit able and available for work. Under the Howard Government unemployed people were not paid until they had met their ‘mutual obligation’.

When it comes to disability payments, each applicant has to establish they are unfit or unable to work. Since the Howard Government they must also show if they weren’t unfit they would be willing to labour. They too must establish they have limited means and are not dependant on others for financial support.

This book examines what it is in Australian society which has led to the adoption of a complex system of categorical benefits in preference to putting in place a universal benefit system.

This book asserts that the income support system is broke and needs fixing. It further argues that the hegemonic ideas which informed the creation of the Australian welfare state (and the income support system in particular) are an inadequate basis from which to revamp the income support system in the 21^st. Century. It canvasses the history of attempts to introduce generalised income guarantees here and in some overseas countries. The final Chapter considers alternatives to the existing system of income support concentrating upon the possibilities which a fully universal unconditional Basic Income would provide. If freedom, security and productivity are the desired out comes of a modern welfare state then this book argues that a Basic Income is the most efficient way to achieve it.