Indigenous Families, Welfare and Work: Survey Results from Two Community Case Studies

Given their ongoing economic disadvantage, many Indigenous families are long-term dependents on social security income support. Their well-being continues to be a critical challenge for government and Indigenous organisations. The paper presents an analysis of quantitative and qualitative data from the first year of a longitudinal survey conducted in two Indigenous communities. A range of factors are identified which influence the effectiveness and appropriateness of delivery of income transfers to Indigenous families for the care of their children (focusing on Parenting Payment and Family Allowance). Survey data on the extent of 'welfare dependence' being experienced by Indigenous families are analysed, and the nature of household economies described. The interaction between the Community Development Employment Projects scheme (a work-for-the-dole scheme) and the welfare economies operating within Indigenous households is discussed. In the context of the Federal Government's welfare reform agenda, the paper outlines recommendations for fine-tuning policy and service delivery to address the economic and culturally-based realities facing Indigenous families.