what is the proper role of government?

As we consider the issue of income redistribution, read what Noel Pearson writes: www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/when-welfarism-takes-over-disaster-will-follow/story-e6frg6zo-1225824862838
What does Mr Pearson attribute as the reason for this 'social disaster'? How does this fit with the introduction from Pope Leo XIII, ie. the role of government v. the role of individuals or families? Is there something Libertarian in what he is saying?
There will be a few words in this text you'll need to look up and define.