Media Releases
Joint meeting of Community Services Ministers and Women and Women’s Safety Ministerial Council
On Friday 20 February 2026, the Women and Women’s Safety Ministerial Council and Community Services Ministers came together in a joint meeting for the first time.
Changes to social security payments from March 20
A number of changes to social security payments, rates, and limits will commence from 20 March 2026. Thanks to indexation, more than 5 million recipients, including over 2.5 million Age Pensioners will see more money in their bank account every fortnight.
Major funding boost for Victoria’s domestic, family and sexual violence response
The Albanese and Allan Labor Governments are investing an extra $180 million to support women and children experiencing family, domestic and sexual violence in Victoria.
First ever dedicated plan to end violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children
Today, the Albanese Labor Government is launching Australia’s first standalone plan that strives for a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children can live free from violence.
Independent Commissioner to boost outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people
The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its promise to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people with the introduction of legislation that establishes a dedicated, independent national advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, backed by $33.5 million in new funding.
Support on the way for communities hit by natural disasters this summer
The Albanese Labor Government is providing more than $1.7 million in additional disaster support for communities in Victoria and Queensland affected by recent fires and flooding.
Christmas boost for Australians in need
The Albanese Labor Government is supporting Australians doing it tough over the holiday period and high-risk weather season with an additional $2 million in food and material aid relief across Australia.
Historic $10 million investment in Rev Bill Crews Foundation to support Aussies facing hardship
The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its election commitment to support the critical work of the Reverend Bill Crews Foundation and secure its future in supporting vulnerable Australians.
Ministers’ Redress Scheme Governance Board Communique
On Monday 8 December 2025, the Minister for Social Services, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, chaired a meeting of the Ministers’ Redress Scheme Governance Board (Board). The Board includes Ministers (or their representative) responsible for the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse (Scheme) in each state or territory.
Boost to support for victim survivors of trafficking and modern slavery
With human trafficking and modern slavery affecting an estimated 50 million people across the world, the Albanese Labor Government is making it easier for victim-survivors to access support and rebuild their lives.
Expanding crisis accommodation for First Nations women and children in Adelaide
The Albanese Labor Government is investing over $715,000 to improve access to crisis accommodation support for First Nations women and children in Adelaide.
Bolstering First Nations Community Safety in Central Australia
The Albanese Labor Government is investing more than $1.1 million for two new projects in Central Australia to keep communities safe and help prevent violence against women and children.
Changes to social security payments from 1 January
A number of changes to social security payment rates will commence from 1 January 2026, with over one million Australians receiving Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY, Youth Disability Support Pension and Carer Allowance set to see more money in their bank account each fortnight.
Expanding the impact of social enterprises with new investment
The Albanese Labor Government is investing almost $2.5 million in 24 social enterprises to help break cycles of disadvantage across Australia as part of our Social Enterprise Development Initiative (SEDI).
Inclusive Employment Australia driving better outcomes for First Nations participants
The Albanese Labor Government is supporting more First Nations people with disability into meaningful employment by tripling the number of Indigenous employment service providers.
Albanese Government expanding access to specialised trauma-informed sexual violence legal services pilots
Today, the Albanese Government has announced funding to support the expansion and extension of specialised trauma-informed sexual violence legal services pilots in the ACT and WA.
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence: Parliament House to be illuminated orange
Today, the Albanese Labor Government renews its commitment to building a safer Australia - where every woman and child can live free from gender-based violence - as we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and support the United Nations’ global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: 40% funding boost to 1800RESPECT
Today, on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Albanese Labor Government is announcing an almost 40% funding boost for 1800RESPECT as more Australians than ever before are identifying signs of violence and contacting 1800RESPECT for help.
Supporting Care Leavers following the 16th Anniversary of the National Apology
Sunday marked the 16th anniversary of the National Apology to Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants, delivered by former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
Additional Support for Bedford Sale
The Albanese Government welcomes today’s announcement of the expected sale of South Australian NDIS provider Bedford to The Disability Trust, a reputable not-for-profit disability service provider.