Table of Contents

The operation of the special benefit provisions relating to the newly arrived residents waiting period

Table of Contents

Preface

Chapter One

Provisions of the Legislation

Limited access to other services

Persons most affected

Ill health

Long term problems

Delayed settlement

Pressure placed on community organisations

Pressure on other individuals

The revolving door syndrome

Chapter Two

Objective

Benefit to Australia

The role of the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs

Process

Responsibility for information

Information on assets and savings

The responsibilities of the intending migrant

Access to employment services

The importance of fluent English in gaining employment

Chapter Three

Social Security being used to amend immigration policies

Guidelines

Departmental attitudes and management

Discrimination, and unlawful discrimination

CONCLUSION

Appendix 1

INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS THAT PROVIDED

THE COMMITTEE WITH WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS

Appendix 2

WITNESSES WHO APPEARED BEFORE THE COMMITTEE

Appendix 3

Social Security Guidelines operative from

21 March 1997 to 25 June 1997

Appendix 4

Extract from the guide to the administration

of the social security act

Additional Comment By Senator The Hon Nick Bolkus

and Senator Jim Mckiernan

Dissenting Report By The Australian Democrats

Comments By Senator Cooney