Media Releases
Investigation into Star Ratings for the Disability Employment Services program
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth has today announced an investigation into the Disability Employment Services Star Ratings following a coding error impacting the application of the system.
Indexation to benefit young Australians
Around one million young people, carers and students are set to receive a boost to their social security payments when indexation increases take effect on 1 January 2023.
International Day of People with Disability is more than a celebration
The Albanese Labor Government is calling on Australians to recognise this year’s International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) by working together to help overcome the barriers to inclusion for the 4.4 million Australians living with disability.
$13.8 million to support children with disability or emerging developmental concerns
The Albanese Labor Government has awarded $13.8 million in grants to support young children with newly-diagnosed disability or emerging developmental concerns – and their parents and carers – to have the best start in life.
Providing more options for older Australians and eligible Veterans to work more in time for Christmas
From today, pensioners over Age Pension age and eligible Veterans will be able to earn more income from working without reducing their pension, just in time to take advantage of seasonal jobs.
A fairer, more flexible and more generous Paid Parental Leave scheme for Australian families.
The Albanese Labor Government has today introduced legislation to reform Australia’s Paid Parental Leave scheme to ensure it better meets the needs of families.
Expert committee to advise on tackling disadvantage and boosting economic inclusion
The Albanese Labor Government will continue its positive agenda to boost economic inclusion and tackle disadvantage by establishing an Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee.
Pensioners receive added incentive to downsize
Legislation passed in Parliament today will reduce the financial impact on pensioners looking to downsize their principal home and free up housing stock for younger families.
A violence-free future: Recognising the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
Supporting former cashless debit card communities with pathways to employment and infrastructure
The Albanese Labor Government has today announced that up to $17 million will be made available to support employment pathways – including funding infrastructure projects – in former cashless debit card communities.
Giving older Australians the choice and flexibility to work
The Albanese Labor Government is committed to giving older Australians more choice and flexibility to participate in the workforce through legislation passed in the Parliament.
Early Years Strategy and National Summit to ensure Australia’s children have the best start at life
The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to improve the lives of all children in Australia by developing a Commonwealth Early Years Strategy.
Remembering Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants
Today marks the 13th anniversary of the National Apology to the Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants.
Maximising parental leave through Government and employer schemes
The Albanese Labor Government is committed to creating a better Australia for families by expanding Paid Parental Leave and complementing employer-led programs to maximise the leave entitlements parents can take after the birth of their child.
2022 International Day of People with Disability Ambassadors announced
The Albanese Labor Government remains committed to highlighting and improving the lives of people living with disability and has chosen seven prominent Australians as ambassadors for this year’s International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) on Saturday 3 December.
$190 million in emergency relief funding to help Australians in need
The Commonwealth will extend more than $190 million of funding for two-years for Emergency Relief, Food Relief, and Financial Counselling to meet ongoing demand as a result of recent natural disasters, and to help address continued cost of living pressures.
100 scholarships awarded to Australian disability leaders
The Albanese Labor Government has awarded 100 scholarships as part of its $2 million investment to develop disability leaders across the country.
$15 million boost for National Redress Scheme
The Albanese Labor Government will invest $15 million to ensure the National Redress Scheme is properly resourced and able to process the significant number of applications received.
Consultation opens on a modernised Disability Services Act
The Albanese Labor Government will continue its support for people living with disability in Australia by launching the first major review of the Disability Services Act since 1986.
Allowing pensioners to work and keep more of their money
Age and Veterans Pensioners will be supported to work and keep more of their government payments for a full year, after amendments moved in the House of Representatives today.