This paper argues that 'human nature' is a key factor in understanding the underpinnings of collectivism and proposes that neoliberalism corrupts the innate human need to act socially, ethically, and morally for the benefit of the common good. The evolution of humanity has been grounded in our need to collectivise and act in concert with each other in ways that improve need satisfaction. Evolutionary biology suggests that any economic or philosophical system that fails to conceptualise human systems -communities, societies, collectives- is flawed and likely to fail in the long term. Adopting this position, this paper argues that neoliberalism, in its all-consuming demand for individualism, rejects the premise and evidence of evolutionary biology. As a result, neoliberalism corrupts human needs and human nature. The lynchpin to a more civilised society rests in economic and social systems that recognise the evolutionary reality that human needs are better satisfied when they act in concert with each other, through activities such as the building of social and economic capital in the welfare sector and through unionisation.

With the (then expected) decimation of the Gillard (later Rudd) Labor Government will come renewed pressure to cut back on public spending and 'reform' welfare and community sectors in Australia (see Sawer 2002). The mantra of fiscal responsibility that has underpinned the attacks on this government will pre-set the agenda for the next. This article examines social pressures against the 'welfare ideology' in the current Australian political climate, based on an analysis of the attacks on the 2010-13 Labor administration and the forces behind them. The discussion considers influences on public sentiments towards compassion for the needy and the necessity of sound social policy.