Key reform for carers of children with disability starts tomorrow
An extra 19,000 carers of children with severe disability are expected to qualify over the next 12 months for Carer Payment (child) as legislated reforms come into effect from 1 July.
Media Releases
June 2009
$11 million for Alice Springs managed accommodation
An additional $11 million will be injected into the Alice Springs Transformation Plan for managed accommodation, bringing total funding for the plan to more than $138 million.
Funding boost to help people in crisis
More than 700 non-profit organisations across Australia will receive a funding boost to deliver emergency financial assistance to families in crisis, as part of an $80 million Australian Government assistance package.
Government delivers Secure and Sustainable Pension Reforms
More than 3 million age pensioners, disability pensioners, carers and wife pensioners will receive pension increases from 20 September, following passage of legislation in the Parliament today.
Young carers' voices heard
The challenges facing young carers as they try to juggle their demanding caring responsibilities with the daily routine of studying, holding down a job or just staying in touch with their friends, can be daunting.
New report shows urgent need for pension reform
A new international report has endorsed the Australian Government's pension reforms, confirming that the high rate of poverty among older Australians is a direct result of inadequate payments.
$100 million to help families and local communities
The Australian Government is providing more than $100 million for prevention and early intervention programs to support children and families in 46 communities of high disadvantage across Australia.
Northern Territory Emergency Response progress
More police on the beat, greater access to healthy foods and 71active night patrols are some of the key outcomes of the Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER).
Young Indigenous cricketers begin historic tour
A team of Indigenous cricketers were today presented with their representative caps as they prepare to retrace the steps of the first Australian cricket team to tour England.
Appointment of Coordinator-General for Remote Indigenous Services
Mr Gleeson has an impressive career spanning the United Nations (UN) and Australian Public Service.
Further $3.1 million to protect Australia's children
Non-profit organisations across Australia will share in $3.1 million to provide community-based projects aimed at developing the strength and resilience of children and families as well as supporting children who have suffered abuse or neglect.
Coronial Investigation into Mr Ward
The Coronial Investigation into the death of Mr Ward highlights the horrific treatment he endured while being transported in custody from Laverton to Kalgoorlie in extreme temperatures.
Double win for carers: $600 Carer Supplement begins today and more carers to receive Carer Payment (child)
From today, around 500,000 carers across Australia will begin receiving a new $600 Carer Supplement, as part of the Australian Government's Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform.
Therese Rein and Kurt Fearnley - champions for people with disability
Therese Rein will be the official Patron of International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) and the National Disability Awards in 2009.
Paralympian, Kurt Fearnley will become the 2009 Ambassador for People with Disability.
$19.4 million to support Australian communities
The wellbeing of families and communities is central to a range of community-based projects receiving $19.4 million in Australian Government funding over the next year.
Special purpose hostel for Pilbara's Indigenous community
Renal dialysis patients in Indigenous communities in the Pilbara will soon be able to stay in a new hostel in South Hedland, in a joint initiative between the Australian Government's Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) and the Western Australian Governmen
Improving outcomes for young people through sport
The Australian Government has committed $200,000 to improve educational, employment and life outcomes for young Indigenous people across Shepparton and Echuca in Victoria.
$3 million to help families and children in Alice Springs
Vulnerable families and children at risk in Alice Springs will receive additional support through intensive early intervention programs to improve their health and wellbeing.
Central Australian landmarks handed back to traditional owners
An important cultural site for the Arrernte people and a geographical landmark that was a beacon for early explorers is among six parcels of land handed back to traditional owners by the Australian Government today.
New safe house opened in Alice Springs
The Australian and Northern Territory Governments today opened a new women's safe place in Alice Springs to provide emergency accommodation for large families escaping family and domestic violence.
$12.2 million worth of grants in the NT
The establishment of market gardens to produce fresh vegetables in remote Northern Territory communities, and the construction and renovation of community stores are among local projects receiving $12.2 million in funding from the Aboriginal Benefits A
New 40-bed hostel for Alice Springs
A new 40-bed hostel is helping provide improved support and care for patients seeking renal dialysis treatment in Alice Springs.
New Central Land Council building opens in Alice Springs
The new Central Land Council head office, officially opened today, will be an important information, services and support hub for Indigenous Australians in Central Australia.
Timeframe for Alice Springs town camps
On 24 May 2009, I announced that the Australian Government was taking the first step towards compulsory acquisition of the Alice Springs town camps.
$16.7 million for mental health respite and carer support services
The Australian Government is providing an additional $16.7 million over three years for community mental health carer respite and increased family support services for people with a mental illness.
Mabo Day marked by boost to native title
On the 17th anniversary of the historic Mabo judgement, Native Title Representative Bodies are set to receive $45.8 million in additional funding to help address the backlog in native title claims.
Sponsorship of 2009 United Nations Media Peace Award - Promotion of Aboriginal Reconciliation
The Australian Government will sponsor the 2009 United Nation's Media Peace Award for the Promotion of Aboriginal Reconciliation.
Improving outcomes for young people through sport
The Australian Government has committed $200,000 to improve educational, employment and life outcomes for young Indigenous people across Shepparton and Echuca in Victoria.