Family-Centred Unemployment in Four Disadvantaged Areas in Australia

Abstract

Australia’s unemployment rate is one of the lowest of any OECD country. However, for families with children, partnered and lone parents, the rate of unemployment and most importantly joblessness is one of the highest at 14.7% and 46% respectively in 2009. This research project aims to better understand problems and issues that face families in which there is at least one family member who is long­term unemployed. The study focuses on the experiences on jobless families in four disadvantaged areas in Australia, with three surveyed at the beginning of the global financial crisis (GFC) and one area to be studied post the GFC. This paper will present methodologies of quantitative survey of long term jobless coupled with qualitative data obtained from the conduct of focus groups and interviews; and findings of the major contributors of the jobless families’ current circumstances including lack of basic skills and qualifications, low levels of formal education and deep lack of confidence and motivation..