'Marriage-Like Relationships' and Social Security in Australia: From Governing the 'Moral Character' of the Family to Governing in the Context of Neoliberalism

Abstract

This article examines this social security issue in Australia where couples share a home and care for each other. Such 'careers' as well as 'long term friends' and 'divorcees and ex-partners' living together, could have their welfare benefits and allowances reduced under current welfare law in Australia, as their relationship could be seen as a marriage-like relationship.