1.   Allied to the welfare cutbacks was a radical change in labour law, the controversial Employment Contracts Bill, due to be introduced in May.

2.   But he does not agree with those who point to welfare cutbacks as a meaningful way to reduce the federal budget.

3.   The decision, which clears the way for other welfare cutbacks adopted this year, follows a national trend among states to scale back assistance programs for single adults.

4.   The Senate Finance Committee begins voting Wednesday on Republican welfare cutbacks that will throw children into poverty.