%0 Journal Article %A Mendes, Philip %D 2017 %T Is social inclusion just a new buzzword? A half time report card on the social welfare policies of the Rudd Government %U https://bridges.monash.edu/articles/journal_contribution/Is_social_inclusion_just_a_new_buzzword_A_half_time_report_card_on_the_social_welfare_policies_of_the_Rudd_Government/5063386 %R 10.4225/03/5930ba94ec875 %2 https://bridges.monash.edu/ndownloader/files/8570623 %K journal article %K monash:19163 %K 1959.1/126609 %X The ALP Government claims to be pursuing a social inclusion agenda aimed at promoting the participation of particularly disadvantaged groups. This holistic agenda recognizes that disadvantage is caused by a complex interaction of structural, local community and individual factors, and differs significantly from the former Coalition government's primary emphasis on individual responsibility. The government seems to have a genuine commitment to addressing social disadvantage and has significantly increased the level of social investment in a number of key areas. However, its application of social inclusion principles still appears to be inconsistent and unduly limited by political and budgetary considerations. %I Monash University