AustLit

The proposals below offer some possibilities that challenge the very powerful assumption that our work time is valued only in areas that attract income, and even then, any tasks that are unpaid or related to the domestic are valued less. There are already indications that there will be solid opposition to such changes. First, they offend assumptions, albeit unfounded, that a heavily means tested system is fairer as it only assists those in need and does not require extra taxation. This set of views comes from both progressives and conservatives. Second, the widespread beliefs in the virtues of hard work and the benefits of the status of having a paid job are often taken on by the left and unions, that see the paid "working man" as the source of future revolutions and change. The history of this bias towards paid work is included below to refute these claims. Women need a Universal Social Dividend. This could become a feminised power shift change to welfare payments policies and it should recognise the value of unpaid and underpaid contributions made mainly by women. It would also allow for changing the future income growth policies by reducing the need to retain and grow damaging production, by cutting working hours and jobs in these areas, and replacing income. The USD is designed to redistribute resources so those in unpaid roles have dignity and agency and are not being stigmatised and others can reduce paid working hours. The levels of payment will need discussion, but this paper assumes they would be set at pension levels as a starting point. It should be taxable, but not means tested, so those who are wellpaid are unlikely to keep much.