Please provide your definition of "middle class welfare"
Does it include parental support?
Does it include maternity/paternity leave?
Does it include support for disabled?
does it include support for students?
Whilst I believe that the level of welfare support in some areas is far too generous, especially in relation to "students", I also believe that the current state of affairs is a reflection of the generational shift towards the "I'm entitled to it" mentality.
I know several persons, young adults, who are having the time of their life on student Centrelink support. Professional students who have been to many more countries than I. They have never had a full time job and just seem to go from one Degree to another. Of course, this is openly encouraged, especially by Universities, but we are paying for it.
