Chapter 12 - The interface between family well-being and government policy in Australia

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Abstract

While most residents in high-income countries are able to experience a good quality of life, some countries retain pockets of absolute and relative poverty with a risk that an intergenerational culture of poverty may be present. This chapter uses the city of Melbourne, Australia to argue the case that an important driver of low well-being and social exclusion may be poor government policy that falls short in the provision of basic infrastructure such as transport and services, particularly in areas on the fringe of cities that are rapidly growing in population. The chapter also argues that a punitive and blaming approach to welfare recipients risks compounding the negative affect that may be present in those with low well-being. Solutions can be found in addressing this infrastructure shortfall and improving urban planning, increasing housing density, and organizing urban space along the lines of a 20-minute city.

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