Income Management to begin in Wadeye

The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin today announced the rollout, saying Wadeye now joined the more than 25 communities and their associated outstations and town camps in the NT where income management had been introduced.

“We can see that people have started to appreciate how income management works to help them manage their money,” Ms Macklin said.

“Local community members understand why it is important to have half of their income support payments protected, so that money is used on essential items.

“Despite recent severe weather from Cyclone Helen, Centrelink officers in Wadeye have conducted interviews with community members to explain the aspects of income management, including where their money is going.

“People who attended an interview with Centrelink had the opportunity to discuss their expenses and needs with Centrelink and decisions about how their payment would be best used are based on the priority needs of the person, their partner and their children.

“Essential items, such as food, rent, medicines and utilities are important for families throughout Australia and income management can help Wadeye families ensure their children are supported by these basic rights,” Ms Macklin said