Media Releases
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.
Paying super on Government Paid Parental Leave to enhance economic security and gender equality
The Albanese Labor Government will continue its historic reform of Paid Parental Leave (PPL) and will pay superannuation on the Government payment from 1 July 2025.
Supporting WA victim-survivors of family, domestic and sexual violence
The Albanese Labor Government is continuing to deliver on its commitment to support victim-survivors of family, domestic and sexual violence with additional safe accommodation options and front line service workers.
Joint Statement on Australian, State and Territory responses to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
Disability Ministers welcome the historic final report of the Disability Royal Commission.
Indexation puts more in the pockets of millions of Australians
Around five million Australians will receive a boost to their social security payments when indexation takes effect later this month.
Women and Women’s Safety Ministerial Communique
Women and Women’s Safety Ministerial Communique 1 March 2024
More employers taking part in trauma-informed conversations around family violence
Australians have sought out information on the Government’s paid family and domestic violence leave with more than 3500 downloads in six months of the Small Business, Big Impact: how to support employees experiencing family and domestic violence leave podcast.
Negotiations underway for an Australian-Uruguay Social Security Agreement
The Albanese Labor Government has commenced negotiations with the Uruguayan Government on a bilateral social security agreement.
Three service providers to deliver new crisis accommodation pilot
The Miles Government has appointed three service providers to deliver a pilot program to help support victim-survivors experiencing, or at risk of homelessness because of domestic, family and sexual violence.
Unlocking tech industry career pathways for young people
The Albanese Labor Government is helping more young people, including those experiencing disadvantage or increased barriers to employment, receive training and experience for future careers in tech with the launch of a Virtual Work Experience Program.