I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 66 together.
The Commission on the Status of Women was of the view that adult dependants of social welfare recipients, the vast bulk of whom are married women, should be given recognition in their own right and that the term "adult dependent" in present legislation should be replaced. I am considering at present how this recommendation could be given effect and the implications of doing so.
The concept of dependency exists within the social welfare system for historical reasons. Old age pensions were first introduced as far back as 1911, and the unemployment assistance scheme dates from 1933. At that time, the family structure of a breadwinner husband with dependent wife and children was the norm, and the social welfare schemes were framed accordingly.