Welfare spending data now online

Federal Minister for Social Services Kevin Andrews has announced that from today, more comprehensive and easier to use income support data will be available online.

Mr Andrews said making the income support data readily accessible is part of the Government’s policy to reduce red tape.

“This data will be updated quarterly and includes the number and location of Australians on the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Newstart, Youth Allowance and Family Tax Benefits,” he said.

“Having this information readily available will help raise public awareness and understanding of patterns of income support across Australia.

“Access to timely data will help improve the evidence base around our welfare support system, so that we can work together on innovative solutions to improve it.”

As of March this year, approximately five million Australians were receiving income support payments, including 2.4 million people receiving the Age Pension.

Other related data such as that contained in the annual Income Support Customers Statistical Overview will be added to the website when released early this financial year.

To access the income support data go to www.data.gov.au/