Government delivers Carer Supplement and better support to carers
From 1 July 2010, more than 500,000 carers across Australia will receive a $600 Carer Supplement, as part of the Australian Government’s Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform.
Media Releases
June 2010
Indigenous Land Corporation secures reliable income stream
Following the passage of legislation last week, the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) will receive a minimum Australian Government payment of $45 million each year to continue its important role in purchasing and managing land to benefit Indigenous com
Simplifying processes for separated families
The Australian Government will simplify the way families deal with the Child Support Agency (CSA) and the Family Assistance Office (FAO).
New education requirement for Family Tax Benefit Part A
From 1 July 2010, new education participation requirements will be introduced for Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A for young people aged 16 to 20.
More flexibility for pensioners from 1 July
From 1 July 2010, 3.3 million pensioners will have access to a more flexible advance payment system as well as the option of quarterly Pension Supplement payments, as part of the final stage of the Australian Government’s Secure and Sustainable Pension
$1.5 million for family support services in East Arnhem
Families in East Arnhem will have extra support through a range of child-focused services to help them provide a safe, happy and healthy environment for their children and protect them from abuse and neglect.
Carers of children with disability to benefit from Government reforms
The Australian Government’s legislation to implement a simpler and fairer assessment process for thousands of carers of children with severe disability or medical conditions today passed the Parliament.
Reducing petrol sniffing in Indigenous communities
The Australian Government’s response to two Senate Inquiries, released last night, shows the introduction of Opal fuel led to a significant decrease in petrol sniffing in regional and remote Indigenous communities.
Productivity Commission Report into Gambling
The Australian Government today released the 2010 Productivity Commission Report into Gambling for consideration by States, Territories, industry and the wider community.
Welcome to Country Now Part of Australia's Democracy
All openings of future Federal Parliaments will now be opened with a ‘Welcome to Country' by Traditional Indigenous Owners, after the Federal Government simultaneously moved motions in the House of Representatives and the Senate, amending Standing Orde
Indexation increases to support Australian families
From 1 July 2010, the Baby Bonus, paid in 13 fortnightly instalments, will increase by more than $100 to $5,294 through indexation, benefiting around 270,000 parents of newborn babies.
Racial Discrimination Act to be restored in the Northern Territory
The Australian Government has delivered on its commitment to re-instate the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (RDA) in the Northern Territory.
Major welfare reforms to support vulnerable Australians
The Australian Government's legislation to deliver major welfare reforms passed the Senate last night.
NTER Government Business Managers report positive community responses to income management
Nearly 60 per cent of Government Business Managers (GBMs) working in Northern Territory Indigenous communities report that views towards income management have shifted favourably since June 2008.
Indigenous leaders of tomorrow welcomed to Canberra
Indigenous students from across the country have converged on Parliament House today to undertake a week of work experience with the Australian Government.
Funding boost and less red tape for Australian Disability Enterprises
Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) will receive an additional $4.5 million in 2010-2011 to allow them to continue to support over 19,000 workers with disability across Australia who would not otherwise be able to find work.
Nationals Split on Abbott's Paid Parental Leave
Senior National Party senator, Fiona Nash today confirmed the deep split in the Coalition on Tony Abbott's unfair and extreme paid parental leave sham.
Improving community safety under the Northern Territory Emergency Response
An increase in police in remote Northern Territory Indigenous communities is helping build trust, leading to more reports of domestic violence, child abuse and neglect.
Paid Parental Leave a big win for women on low incomes
For the first time in Australia’s history women on low incomes will have access to Paid Parental Leave giving them greater financial security when planning to have a baby.
Supporting male leaders in Aboriginal communities tackle violence
Indigenous men who are working to tackle family violence in their communities are receiving almost $550,000 from the Australian Government to support their efforts.
Passage of Bill for Australia's first Paid Parental Leave scheme
Legislation for Australia's first Paid Parental Leave scheme today passed the Parliament.
This is an historic day and a major win for Australian families.
Lakes Entrance Community Services Complex open
The Lakes Entrance community will be able to access a range of services in one convenient location following the official opening of the Lakes Entrance Community Services Complex today.
Northern Territory Emergency Response progress
The number of people being supported through income management has reached 17,000 under the Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER).
This compares with 1,400 people on income management in November 2007.
Supporting people in Mirrabooka to save for an education
More than 120 low income earners in Mirrabooka are now being supported to save for their own education and the education of their children, following the local roll out of the national Saver Plus program in the area.
Supporting local Indigenous people with a mental illness
Indigenous people living with mental illness, grief, and trauma in the Maddington and Armadale regions of Perth will have greater access to much needed support through the expansion of the Australian Government's Personal Helpers and Mentors (PHaMs) pr
Call for more organisations to join Companion Card Scheme
The Minister for Community Services, Jenny Macklin, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities, Bill Shorten, today called on more Australian organisations to join the National Companion Card scheme to help make entertainment, sport and recreatio
Helping seniors stay smart online
The Australian Government is taking further steps to educate older Australians about the possible pitfalls of using the internet and the importance of online security.
New accommodation for Indigenous students from the APY Lands
The Australian Government has delivered a $3 million accommodation centre for Indigenous students from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands who study in Adelaide.
Disability Ministers endorse Australian Disability Parking Scheme
Disability Ministers today endorsed the eligibility criteria, concession provisions, and proposed timeline for the roll out of the Australian Disability Parking Scheme.
Fast-tracking Disability Support Pension claims for severe disability and cancer
As part of the Australian Government’s package of Disability Support Pension (DSP) reforms, more people with a severe and profound permanent disability will be granted the payment more quickly.
Additional services for at risk Indigenous youth in Rockhampton
The Australian Government will provide $300,000 over two years to boost services in Rockhampton to help at risk Indigenous youth tackle drug and alcohol abuse, homelessness and crime.
Supporting stronger governance in Indigenous native title corporations
The Australian Government will shortly release a discussion paper to initiate a consultation process on mechanisms to build stronger governance regimes in Indigenous native title corporations.
Paid Parental Leave Bill passes House of Representatives
Australian families are one step closer to being able to access Australia’s first national Paid Parental Leave scheme.