The Welfare Rights Centre believes people are better off in paid work than on welfare; however for those who are unable to maintain themselves financially, Australia should have a social security system which is based upon the following principles:

• A civil society supports those who are unable to earn an adequate income, while in return the recipients contribute as they can.
• Social security should be sufficient to afford a decent standard of living, based on what is widely considered acceptable in Australia.
• The social security system should be accommodating of diversity and responsive to individual needs and circumstances.
• Social security payments, criteria, rules and processes should be simplified into a system that is easily comprehensible, accessible and fair.
• Social security decision-making processes should be transparent, with a right of review of all decisions and access to independent advice, advocacy and representation.