Demonstrating Value for Human and Social Services Investment

Abstract

Neoliberal processes in Australia have seen the ‘roll out’ of the market-based approaches and ‘roll back’ of the welfare state sector, with significant impacts on the human and social services sector. Social services have been cast as a burden on the public purse and have been increasingly forced to show efficiencies, provide greater accountability and demonstrate their value and outcomes. This article explores the impacts of neoliberal reforms on the human and social services in Australia following consultations with the sector. The article unpacks the challenges for the sector in demonstrating value to justify further social investments. Four key areas emerge from consultations with service agencies as focus points: commodification of services, the fallacy of the choice discourse, challenges to service viability, and problems with measures and methods for accountability and demonstrating value. The article concludes with recommendations for future directions and change.