The Daily

Under the controversial Parents Next scheme, welfare payments have been suspended or even terminated for single parents who fail to meet certain requirements – such as attending compulsory ‘story time’ sessions or playgroups. ParentsNext has been in operation since 2016, across non-remote areas of Australia but July this year saw the program expand into areas such as Redfern and Marrickville. As part of a targeted compliance framework, the program has resulted in suspended payments – and for some single parents, this means going without a meal. Today, the peak body, Jobs Australia, is welcoming news of a new senate inquiry into the program.

On the line to chat to us about the program is Dr Simone Casey, Policy Analyst for Jobs Australia.