‘Punitive and flawed’ ParentsNext program should not be expanded, experts warn

Government argues 34,000 parents on the program have started employment, but figures show only 3% have left the scheme after finding stable work'

Social service, human rights and domestic violence groups have warned against government plans to expand a welfare program aimed at single mothers, arguing the ParentsNext scheme is punitive and flawed".

Since 2018 about 150,000 people have been required to attend meetings with a ParentsNext provider and education programs or other activities in order to receive their parenting payment.