Politics, Inequality and the Australian Welfare State After Liberalisation

In an era when people active in and supportive of the welfare state are feeling cornered by financial logic and the constant threat of austerity, this book opens a debate about forms of political activism that centre on welfare that should inspire many readers — Dick Bryan, Emeritus Professor, Political Economy, University of Sydney.

This is a brilliant analysis of the Australian welfare state. It reveals how deep tensions between capitalism and democracy pervade attempts to alleviate poverty and inequality. Detailed case studies show the contradictory characteristics of policies that blend public provision with reliance on markets. The book is comprehensive, insightful, up-to-date and forward-looking. It is essential reading for anyone concerned with the practicalities and politics of welfare —  Frank Stilwell, Professor Emeritus in Political Economy, University of Sydney

This is a creative and optimistic book. Ben Spies-Butcher shows that, despite the march of the market and pressure to contain public spending, claims for equality still drive welfare state expansion. Australian policy innovations serve as his case, but the book’s ideas will inspire analysts and activists across rich democracies —  Gabrielle Meagher, Professor Emerita, Macquarie University, Australia

“This impressive and broad-ranging book forces us to rethink the recent history of social policy in Australia. Ben Spies Butcher demonstrates a commanding understanding of the field through analysis of new marketized policy regimes, and the interdependencies between class, generation and gender that underpin persistent inequality” — Ariadne Vromen, Professor of Public Administration, Australia National University.

“This book is essential reading for anyone looking to make sense of contemporary Australian economic and social policy. Highly readable, it offers a fresh perspective based on years of practical experience and research” —  Damien Cahill, Associate Professor, Political Economy, University of Sydney, General Secretary, National Tertiary Education Union

"For all of us working towards a fairer world, where those excluded from mainstream labour can be helped to survive, where we untangle our capacity to live from our capacity to sell our labour, Ben Spies-Butcher has given us a tremendous resource. Charting how we got here, through the history of marketised welfare and financialised lives, this excellent book helps us understand how we can challenge this destructive system. It will provoke important conversations" — Tim Hollo, Author of "Living Democracy: an ecological manifesto for the end of the world as we know it" and Executive Director of The Green Institute.