Access the full text.
Sign up today, get DeepDyve free for 14 days.
R. Goodin (1986)
Welfare, Rights and DiscretionWelfare Law
Sheila Shaver (1984)
The assets test and the politics of means testing: forum, 19
J. Mccallum (1984)
The assets test and the needy: forumAustralian Journal of Social Issues, 19
C. Ramsay (1986)
Ruin probabilities and the compound Poisson-Markov chainScandinavian Actuarial Journal, 1986
Australia's assets test on pensions is designed to advance a needs policy without trenching unduly on other values. This article explores the policy tension stemming from the different perspectives of economists, lawyers and welfare workers. It is contended that the policy balance is out of kilter, and that welfare objectives have been down‐graded. This is said to be due to an over‐reliance, in the framing and administration of the test, on manipulating the concepts and definitions coined by economists and lawyers. This is illustrated by reference to the overreach of the test in potentially impacting upon residents in nursing homes. The article argues that the remedy lies in placing greater reliance on the inclusion of discretions in the law (and their creative utilization). The hardship provisions of the present legislation are advanced as good examples of the potential which exists for this to be achieved, a potential which it is suggested the Department has only partially realised to date.
Australian Journal of Social Issues – Wiley
Published: Aug 1, 1987
Read and print from thousands of top scholarly journals.
Already have an account? Log in
Bookmark this article. You can see your Bookmarks on your DeepDyve Library.
To save an article, log in first, or sign up for a DeepDyve account if you don’t already have one.
Copy and paste the desired citation format or use the link below to download a file formatted for EndNote
Access the full text.
Sign up today, get DeepDyve free for 14 days.
All DeepDyve websites use cookies to improve your online experience. They were placed on your computer when you launched this website. You can change your cookie settings through your browser.