The Business Council of Australia today welcomed the federal government’s statement on welfare reform.

The Executive Director of the BCA, Mr David Buckingham, said the statement was a sensible and balanced step in dealing with problems arising from the interaction of the wages and welfare system.

Mr Buckingham said he was also encouraged by the support for the broad direction of the McClure Report and its emphasis on the principles of service delivery, simpler and more responsive economic support, incentives and financial assistance, mutual obligation and social partnerships.

“We also welcome the establishment of a consultative forum to consider detail and implementation issues,” he said.

“A number of the proposed elements of reform pick up on considerable work done by the BCA on long-term unemployment, particularly the need for early intervention and better access to services and support.”