Perks of the Job: The Distribution of Non-cash Wage Income in Australia in the 1980s

Abstract

This report addresses an issue which grew in significance in Australia during the 1980s, but which has been of importance for some considerable time - the role of non-cash fringe benefits or 'perks of the job' in influencing the nature and extent of inequality amongst the Australian workforce. Paid employment remains the most important single factor in explaining the overall extent of income inequality and it is important that the analysis of wage and salary incomes also takes account of the non-monetary fringe benefits which are tied to monetary remuneration, access to which is restricted to those in the labour market in paid employment. This report investigates several dimensions of this issue and will, we hope, stimulate further work in this important area.