Social Policy and Society
- Social Policy and Society / Volume 11 / Issue 03 / July 2012, pp 331-343
- Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S147474641200005X (About DOI), Published online: 23 March 2012
Articles
The Politics of Entitlement and Personalisation: Perspectives on a Proposed National Disability Long-term Care and Support Scheme in Australia
Michele Fostera1, Paul Henmana2, Jennifer Fleminga3, Cheryl Tilsea4 and Rosamund Harringtona5
a1 School of Social Work and Human Services, The University of Queensland E-Mail: m.foster@social.uq.edu.au
a2 School of Social Work and Human Services, The University of Queensland E-Mail: p.henman@uq.edu.au
a3 School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland E-Mail: j.flemming@shrs.uq.edu.au
a4 School of Social Work and Human Services, The University of Queensland E-Mail: c.tilse@social.uq.edu.au
a5 School of Social Work and Human Services, The University of Queensland E-Mail: ros.harrington@uq.edu.au
Abstract
Internationally, over the past two decades the theme of personalisation has driven significant reforms within health and social care services. In the Australian context, the principles of ‘entitlement based on need’ and ‘personalisation’ frame the proposed National Disability Long-Term Care and Support Scheme (LTCSS). In this article, we critically examine the interpretations and ambiguities of need and personalisation. We consider the administrative complexities of applying these principles in practice and the uncertainties about the roles of state and the market, and use individual case examples to illustrate areas of potential tension. Whether principles translate to deliver personalised services and avoid harmful trade-offs between access, equity and choice is the true test of social policy.
