Queensland input into future of Family Support Program

The Minister for Community Services, Julie Collins, has called for Queensland community input on the future directions of the Australian Government’s $1 billion Family Support Program through a new discussion paper.

Ms Collins joined Member for Moreton, Graham Perrett, on a visit to the Kyabra Community Association in Brisbane’s Runcorn today, which is delivering family and relationships services to the local community through $500,000 in funding as part of the FSP.

“The Family Support Program is making a significant difference to the lives of children and families across Australia.

“It has assisted more than 800,000 Australians over the past year, including more than 167,000 here in Queensland.

“The program delivers important early intervention services include parenting programs, relationship counselling, playgroups and more intensive support for vulnerable children at risk of neglect or abuse.

“These services are improving family wellbeing, assisting parents to break entrenched cycles of disadvantage and helping to ensure children get the best start in life.”

Minister Collins launched the Family Support Program discussion paper this week and seeks the thoughts of the community and professionals working in the sector.

Mr Perrett said the Family Support Program is part of a wide range of Australian Government services available to vulnerable Australians in our community.

“The Gillard Government is also providing Kyabra with a further $500,000 in funding to give carers of people experiencing mental health issues some respite.

“Kyabra is also receiving $188,000 from the Australian Government to provide Emergency Relief.

“The Emergency Relief program is well structured as it supplies short-term relief – such as vouchers for food, transport or chemist supplies, and assistance with finding emergency accommodation.

“But the Newman State Government has now cut all its Emergency Relief funding,” Mr Perrett said.

“The Gillard Government’s $36.5 million for the Queensland program is spread across 150 organisations and is delivering Emergency Relief in 250 outlets throughout this state.”

The $1 billion Family Support Program is delivered by community organisations in about 2,300 locations across Australia.

The discussion paper and information on how to submit your views is available at www.fahcsia.gov.au/FSPfuturedirections. Submissions close on 19 November 2012.