Introduction

The term 'welfare' conjures up a variety of meanings and associations, ranging from the well-being of an individual or a society—through theoretical and ideological constructions of the welfare state and those dependent on it—to the more narrowly perceived category of welfare services (de Swaan 1988, Sen 1987, Titmuss 1958, Travers & Richardson 1993). This report is concerned with the last of these areas—the system of welfare services and assistance operating in Australia. The task of defining the scope and boundaries of that system is not a straightforward one. Welfare services, if they are to have any impact at all, will do so on the well-being of individuals and the society of which they are part. Moreover, they will be funded, delivered and regulated within or in juxtaposition with a particular public policy regime. In addition, at various points welfare services merge with other areas of public policy, including employment, taxation (in particular exemptions and rebates), income support, education and health.