Squeezing the Welfare System !

Rule changes wending their way through parliament will make it harder for women trying to escape a violent relationship.  In many cases the victim is financially trapped and this is the main reason some women continue to endure unrelenting violence at the hands of their oppressor.  Often, the public is unsympathetic and blame the woman for not making that " move " !

In many cases there are children involved and the main obstacle is finding somewhere else to live - and that requires money.  Under the existing regime an applicant can claim extenuating circumstances in an emergency situation and be allowed to complete their application details later. That is about to be discontinued, and each individual case be assessed by Centrelink staff on a case by case basis.

There are refuges for women escaping domestic violence but they are usually unable to accept new applicants at short notice and strict term limits apply.  Sometimes the only option available to a battered woman is life on the streets, joining the homeless who sleep in shop doorways and scrounge food from the Salvation Army.  When little children are involved, that is an option that many refuse to consider.

Putting that decisive power into the hands of Centrelink officers raises a question of ethics. Many abused women are coaxed back by the promises of their partner against the advice of these people who will hold decisive power. Such later applications may receive a cold reception.  It is also a fact of life that some women are attracted to the type of partner who is physically abusive - and never seems to learn.

It is likely that this rule tightening will simply increase the incidence of domestic violence leading to major injury or even death.  Getting access to a little money at such a critical time is usually the decisive factor in making that escape decision.

Another rule change will cause consternation to many people.  The " backpay " principle is being abolished.   At present, when an applicant applies for Newstart or the Youth Allowance there is a time gap while that application is checked and considered by Centrelink staff.  Upon approval, the applicant receives backpay for the time to where the application was made, and that will be discontinued.

This gap between application and approval can often extend over a long period if Centrelink requests additional information and that information is difficult to obtain. Borrowing from family and friends to tide that person over may now face difficulties now that the end of backpay makes the reimbursement of such loans less likely.

Obviously, the government must be careful with the disbursement of public money but it also needs to remember the reason these payments were legislated in the first place.