This document summarizes Peter Saunders' argument that widespread self-funding of services currently provided by the welfare state is both possible and desirable. It argues that rising incomes mean most people could afford to privately pay for services like healthcare, education and retirement if taxes were lower. While some redistribution would still be needed to support those unable to fully self-fund, allowing more self-funding could boost economic growth and individual empowerment while reducing costs and reliance on government. Key questions are whether adequate self-funding is possible and whether moving away from state provision towards self-funding models is economically and socially preferable.

1. A Welfare State for the 21 st Century Peter Saunders Centre for Independent Studies Australian National University Demography seminar, 7 March 2006

2. The changing social structure