The performance of our small and vulnerable economy is enhanced as though by shiploads of steroids. Many recipients have been, or will be, hard-working contributors to society and the economy, but the most productive of people can fall on hard times. They are the visible beneficiaries of welfare, but every Australian daily reaps its dividends. Mallabula The concept of mutual obligation suggests an implied or explicit contract between two parties. A young child has nothing but his or her life to offer.
Society is obliged, if it can, to provide the child with the means to survive.
When it fails to do this by poor or discriminatory education, or by failing to provide work, society becomes liable. The child, after all, has no alternative but to rely on those adults who shape its world. Malcolm Harrison, Bronte One minute John Howard is attempting to force all married mothers out of the workforce and back into the home and the next he is trying to force all unmarried mothers out of the home and into the workforce. A less confused person might think all Government decisions made affecting women and the family have nothing to do with the best interests of all concerned but more about Government expenditure and budgets. The Herald front page of March 29 says it all.