Appendix D: Summary of Online Comments to the Reference Group Overview As an alternative to providing a formal submission, individuals were able to make brief online comments to the Reference Group on Welfare Reform. During the consultation period, 231 of these online comments were made in response to the Interim Report. The largest proportion of comments was received from income support recipients (43 per cent). Comments were also received from recipients of family payments (7 per cent), individuals with a family member who receives payments (8 per cent) and individuals working in a community organisation (9 per cent). Fewer comments were received from individuals in an employment or training organisation (2 per cent) or as employers (2 per cent). Comment Themes Comments received by the Reference Group were individually analysed. During this process, any issues raised by a comment were noted and as a result a number of themes were discerned. The issues that attracted the most comments were: Disability Support Pension including eligibility, obligations, payment rates and capacity employment including workplace discrimination and the number of available jobs mutual obligation including income management and participation requirements mental illness including supports and work for people with episodic mental illness. The comments reflect a number of issues relating to the income support system. While most contributors acknowledge the benefits in moving individuals from income support to work, a number noted the difficulty in finding employment in the current labour market. Frequency of Issue Raised The chart above shows the number of comments that addressed specific issues. For example, 92 comments discussed the Disability Support Pension while only 12 comments discussed Carer Payment. This information is also in the text on page 181. Appendix E: List of Stakeholders who attended Roundtables The Reference Group met with the organisations listed below in roundtable discussions to seek specific feedback on its Interim Report.
Appendix D: Summary of Online Comments to the Reference Group Overview As an alternative to providing a formal submission, individuals were able to make brief online comments to the Reference Group on Welfare Reform. During the consultation period, 231 of these online comments were made in response to the Interim Report. The largest proportion of comments was received from income support recipients (43 per cent). Comments were also received from recipients of family payments (7 per cent), individuals with a family member who receives payments (8 per cent) and individuals working in a community organisation (9 per cent). Fewer comments were received from individuals in an employment or training organisation (2 per cent) or as employers (2 per cent). Comment Themes Comments received by the Reference Group were individually analysed. During this process, any issues raised by a comment were noted and as a result a number of themes were discerned. The issues that attracted the most comments were: Disability Support Pension including eligibility, obligations, payment rates and capacity employment including workplace discrimination and the number of available jobs mutual obligation including income management and participation requirements mental illness including supports and work for people with episodic mental illness. The comments reflect a number of issues relating to the income support system. While most contributors acknowledge the benefits in moving individuals from income support to work, a number noted the difficulty in finding employment in the current labour market. Frequency of Issue Raised The chart above shows the number of comments that addressed specific issues. For example, 92 comments discussed the Disability Support Pension while only 12 comments discussed Carer Payment. This information is also in the text on page 181. Appendix E: List of Stakeholders who attended Roundtables The Reference Group met with the organisations listed below in roundtable discussions to seek specific feedback on its Interim Report.