New Peak Body for Australian Families

Today’s launch of the new peak body, Families Australia, will mean that the interests of families, young people and children in Australia are better represented.

Families play a vital role in shaping the values and standards of the Australian community.

We need to ensure that we get the best advice on policies to support and strengthen them.

Families Australia has been established as a national peak organisation under the National Secretariat Program. It will provide a strong national voice on issues affecting Australian families.

Last year an increase of $500,000 in funding for community-based organisations was announced under the National Secretariat Program. This brings the total amount allocated to peak organisations to nearly $3.8 million each year.

The program supports national peak community-based organisations representing the welfare, disability, community, children, homelessness and now family sectors of our communities.

Families Australia will receive $250,000 a year in funding.

Community-based organisations play a vital role in representing the interests of the Australian public and I am confident that Families Australia will do a great job in providing information to help the government develop policy.