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.