Media Releases
New initiatives to drive better supported employment outcomes
Australians with disability with high support needs will benefit from a $26 million boost to help build confidence and better facilitate control over their employment options.
Former Cashless Debit Card program communities have support services extended
The Albanese Labor Government is extending a range of support services and programs in former Cashless Debit Card communities with $17.5 million in additional funding.
Making some noise for safer vehicles
Pedestrians will soon be safer around quiet cars, trucks and buses travelling at low speeds with the Albanese Government introducing a new design rule to make electric vehicles safer.
New resources helping autistic children to thrive
The Albanese Labor Government is continuing to advance initiatives that support every autistic child to reach their goals and thrive.
Industry Funding Model helping more Australians get access to financial counselling
The Albanese Labor Government is committed to a strong financial counselling sector to ensure Australians who need support have greater pathways to access it.
Boost in jobs vital to reducing the number of First Nations children in out-of-home care
The Albanese Labor Government is committed to reducing the number of First Nations children in out-of-home care and has created close to 100 additional jobs in Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations to assist.
Growing Australia's social enterprises
Communities in need of a helping hand will be getting more as the Albanese Labor Government provides funding to grow social enterprises.
Consultation continues to shape a brighter future for the Autistic community
The Albanese Labor Government is today releasing a draft of the landmark National Autism Strategy for public feedback – marking the final stage of extensive community consultation and delivering on our election commitment.
World first gender justice institute for First Nations Women
The Albanese Labor Government is proud to support the Wiyi Yani U Thangani Institute for First Nations Gender Justice at the Australian National University with a funding contribution of $3 million over four years.
Government recognises 11th Anniversary of the National Apology for Forced Adoptions
On the eleventh anniversary of the National Apology for Forced Adoptions, the Albanese Labor Government acknowledges the traumatic consequences children, families, and communities endure due to past forced adoption practices.
New laws reflect survivor-focus of National Redress Scheme
The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to improve the National Redress Scheme with a suite of legislative changes which passed Parliament today
New laws expand Paid Parental Leave – More support for working families with biggest expansion since 2011
Labor’s changes to Paid Parental Leave – expanding the scheme to a full six months – will now be law after the Paid Parental Leave Amendment (More Support for Working Families) Bill 2023 was today passed by the Senate.
Strengthening financial wellbeing support in the Northern Territory
The Albanese Government is investing more than $6 million in 2023-24 to strengthen and increase targeted financial literacy and capability supports for vulnerable Australians in the Northern Territory.
Escaping Violence Payment place-based trial expanded for First Nations victims-survivors in the top end
The Albanese Government is continuing to support victim-survivors of family, domestic, and sexual violence with a $31.6 million expansion over two-years of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Escaping Violence Payment (EVP) place-based trial.
Progress on the Disability Royal Commission and Disability reforms
The Albanese Labor Government continues its commitment to people with disability, today releasing a Progress Update in response to the Disability Royal Commission’s final report, along with publishing new Disability Employment Services guidelines.
1800RESPECT introduces new video call service to support victim-survivors
Australians in need of family, domestic and sexual violence support now have an additional avenue for receiving assistance, with the official launch today of a new, on-demand video counselling service through 1800RESPECT.
Negotiations commence for an Australia-Lithuania Social Security Agreement
The Albanese Labor Government is entering into negotiations with the Lithuanian Government on a bilateral social security agreement.
Community Services Ministers Communique
Community Services Ministers also met on Kaurna Country in Adelaide on 8 March 2024 to discuss progress on the Forced Adoption joint work program since July 2023, which included conducting surveys about Forced Adoption Support Services in each state and territory to better understand the current and changing needs of persons impacted by past forced adoption policies and practices.
Safe and Supported Shared Decision-Making Committee
On Kaurna Country in Adelaide on 8 March 2024, the Safe and Supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Group (Leadership Group) and Community Services Ministers from across Australia came together for the first time as the Safe and Supported Shared Decision-Making Committee.
Investing and accelerating this International Women’s Day
This International Women’s Day, the Albanese Labor Government is recognising and celebrating the achievements of women in Australia and across the world whilst also acknowledging more must be done to address women’s safety.