Noel Pearson wrote an excellent op-ed piece in the Australian about the dangers of absolving those on welfare of their resonsibilities, both to their children and the community as a whole. While Pearson focuses primarily on the damage being done to Aboriginals because of the welfare trap , this is an issue that is just as much of a concern to Australians as a whole. We are lucky enough to live in a nation that provides welfare and services to the poor and disadvantaged, but as Noel points out, the method in which we currently do that may well be counter - productive.
Providing welfare that creates a situation where parents feel absolved from their parental responsibilities is something that we must correct. Welfare payments should definetly be linked to issues such as school attendance, school readiness (which Pearson describes as children being fed, clean and well rested for the school day), maintenance of the condition of government housing and other such issues.
This is most definetly not just an Aboriginal issue - a break down in a sense of responsibility also gives rise to a sense of entitlement and decrease in motivation ('why do it for yourself when you can have it done for you' mentality). Pearson continues to prove to be one of the most significant leaders in the Aboriginal community. He offers more hope and drive towards a better life for Aboriginal Australians, and offers solutions to the problems - not just criticism.
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