Income Management helping families in West Australia

A review released today has found Income Management is changing the lives of vulnerable West Australian families.

Minister for Social Services, Kevin Andrews, and West Australian Minister for Child Protection, Helen Morton, have welcomed the findings of A Review of Child Protection Income Management in Western Australia.

“This review looked at people in Perth and the Kimberley region, who had been referred to Income Management by child protection authorities and the impact it’s had on their lives,” Mr Andrews said.

“I am pleased to say many families told us Income Management helped them manage household budgets, keep utilities connected and assisted in clearing debts.

“By improving their housing situation, families were able to address other issues such as substance abuse and better manage relationships.”

Ms Morton said the review was the second positive evaluation of income management as a child protection measure, which has broader benefits for whole communities.

“Service providers reported income management had reduced alcohol and substance misuse and the negative effects of anti-social behaviour and violence,” Ms Morton said.

“Given the success of this initiative to date I am keen to explore opportunities to expand it to the rest of the state,” she said.

Income management operates in metropolitan Perth, Peel and the Kimberley regions, and applies to people who are referred by child protection authorities or those who volunteer.

The review is available at: www.dss.gov.au/cpimwareview