Media Releases
No new Cashless Debit Card participants
The Albanese Labor Government will today close the Cashless Debit Card program to new entrants as the next step to abolish the scheme.
Cost of living relief for older Australians
More than 50,000 additional self-funded retirees will be helped to ease their cost of living pressures with the Albanese Labor Government taking action to enable more Australians to access the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
Abolishing the Cashless Debit Card as a priority
The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its election commitments and will today introduce legislation to Parliament to abolish the Cashless Debit Card.
Universal paid leave for family and domestic violence
More than 11 million Australian workers – including casuals – will have access to 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave under Albanese Labor Government legislation to be introduced into the Parliament this week.
Working together with states and territories on gender equality and women’s safety to finalise the National Plan
Today, Commonwealth, state and territory governments agreed on a pathway to finalise the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–32.
Release of consultation report on national plan to end violence against women and children
The Albanese Labor Government is pleased to support today’s release of the National Plan Stakeholder Consultation Report (the Report) and thanks all contributors for their important work.
Funding boost to home-based early learning program
The Albanese Labor government will provide around $30 million per year over the next five-years to the home-based program that supports parents and carers to be their child’s first teacher.
Meeting of federal, state and territory ministers responsible for women and women’s safety.
The Albanese Labor Government will continue its commitment to women’s safety and gender equality by hosting its first face-to-face meeting of federal, state and territory ministers to engage on key policy priorities for women.
Disaster payments available for more NSW flood-impacted residents
Australian Government disaster payments are available now to eligible residents in six additional local government areas (LGAs), affected by the severe storms and flooding that continue to impact large areas of New South Wales.
$34 million in support delivered to flood-affected communities in NSW
Australian Government support is flowing through to people impacted by the recent flood event in New South Wales, with Services Australia delivering $34 million in emergency assistance since yesterday.
Disaster payments available for NSW flood-impacted residents
Australian Government disaster payments will roll out from tomorrow to eligible residents in 23 local government areas (LGAs) affected by the severe storms and flooding that continue to impact large areas of Metropolitan Sydney and east coast of New South Wales.
Delivering targeted support services for Redress applicants
Survivors of institutional child sexual abuse will get more assistance from the Labor Government to access the National Redress Scheme with Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth today announcing grant funding of over $39.7 million to boost support services.
Criminal conviction for Disability Employment Services fraudster
The Australian Government has shown its commitment to identifying and addressing fraud against the Commonwealth, with the conviction and sentencing of a former employee of a Disability Employment Services (DES) provider.
Deeming freeze to help pensioners keep more in their pockets
The Australian Government has delivered on its commitment to freeze social security deeming rates at their current levels for a further two years.
National search for inaugural Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Commissioner
Minister Rishworth and Assistant Minister Elliot today announced the Australian Government will undertake an open, national search for the Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Commissioner.
$5.2 million boost for financial counselling support in flood-affected communities in NSW and Queensland.
The Australian Government has announced an additional $5.2 million for financial counselling supports to help those affected by the floods in NSW and Queensland earlier this year.
Improving access to conferences for people with disability
The Australian Government has today announced 33 conference organisers will share in $315,000 in funding to maximise the inclusion and participation of people with disability.
A transition plan for Activ support workers with disability
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth today announced the Australian Government will provide grant funding of up to $7.8 million to Western Australia disability employment provider, Activ Foundation, to keep its large-scale industrial work sites open for another 18 months to better support the transition of employees into new placements.
Getting NDIS participants home from hospital
National Disability Insurance Scheme participants who are stuck in hospital due to NDIS delays will be prioritised under a new plan agreed to by the Government and the States and Territories.
Family payments set to increase from 1 July
From 1 July 2022, more than 1.4 million Australian families will see an increase to family payments, while around one million pensioners will also benefit from increases in means test free areas, limits and deeming thresholds.