Media Release by The Hon Jenny Macklin MP

NTER Government Business Managers report positive community responses to income management

Joint Media Release with:

  • The Hon Warren Snowdon MP, Minister for Indigenous Health

Nearly 60 per cent of Government Business Managers (GBMs) working in Northern Territory Indigenous communities report that views towards income management have shifted favourably since June 2008.

The 2009 Survey of Government Business Managers relating to the Impact of the Northern Territory Emergency Response, conducted by TNS Social Research, measures the opinions of Government Business Managers in 62 Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER) communities and five prescribed town camps.

GBMs reported that, in their view, women are the most favourably disposed towards income management (women with children 82 per cent and other women 64 per cent), followed by men with children (27 per cent).

The survey also shows that GBMs believed that 49 per cent of people had a favourable attitude towards income management, and 63 per cent of GBMs reported that food is available on a more regular basis.

It also found that 78 per cent of GBMs reported a positive change to shopping patterns and budgets.

The survey reveals that the majority of people believe the NTER has had a positive impact on community awareness of nutrition, health, child abuse, education and drug and alcohol related violence.

The GBMs were asked to consider the level of change in the NTER communities since 2008. The survey found:

  • 32 per cent believe the level of violence has decreased;
  • 24 per cent believe there has been a decrease in petrol sniffing;
  • 65 per cent perceived a positive impact in accessing health and nutrition programs;
  • 55 per cent perceived a positive impact in accessing police; and
  • 52 per cent believed the NTER has had a positive impact on the provision of training opportunities.

The Australian Government’s legislation to deliver major welfare reforms passed the Senate last night.

The legislation introduces a new non-discriminatory income management scheme and restores the operation of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 in the Northern Territory.

The welfare reforms represent a significant step forward in the Government’s continuing welfare reform agenda.

The reforms aim to increase parental responsibility, fight passive welfare and protect vulnerable people, especially children.