The rallies,led by workers from the textile and electronics industries, called on the government to provide more welfare to the unemployed workers and support industries hit by the downturn.

VOA: standard.2009.03.09

The OECD says that if governments do not stop cutting back on welfare support this gap will grow wider.

BBC: Rich-poor divide accelerating, says OECD

There was also additional Treasury funding for "urgent and cutting-edge equipment to theatre" and key welfare support in areas such as education and compensation, and access to healthcare and accommodation was outlined in the Service Personnel Command Paper.

BBC: Leavers 'could paralyse' forces

Australia's main welfare lobbies support tax reform, but want food left tax-free.

ECONOMIST: Australia