THE DISTRIBUTION OF WORK IN AUSTRALIA

Since the 1960s substantial increases in unemployment, female particip ation and employment, part-time employment, and persons working long h ours, have produced a wider distribution of work between individuals i n the Australian labour market. A widening distribution of work betwee n income units and households has also occurred. The effect on the dis tribution of earnings and 'well-being' is considered. The case for wor k-sharing policies to reduce unemployment and create a more even distr ibution of work is rejected. Labour market deregulation combined with a negative income tax system may be a way of increasing employment wit h creating a substantial 'working poor'.