Pulling up their breaches: an analysis of Centrelink breach numbers and formal appeal rates?

Abstract

This paper shines a spotlight on Centrelink breaches and appeals in two general steps. First the number of Centrelink breaches are juxtaposed to appeal numbers from 1996 to 2001. This reveals that Centrelink breach rates have rapidly increased since 1997-1998 while formal appeal rates have not. Secondly, possible explanations for such contrasting breach and appeal numbers are explored. Four general analytical approaches are considered – the 'hardliners', the advocacy view, the political economy approach and the 'new-contractualism' approach. It shows that none of these approaches are entirely sufficient to explain current breach and appeal rates. In conclusion, it is suggested that more research and thought is needed.