Media Releases by Senator the Hon Anne Ruston
More choice for Income Management participants
From today about 25,000 Income Management participants in the Northern Territory can now volunteer to transfer from the BasicsCard to the Cashless Debit Card. This…
Australians encouraged to “unmute” themselves and call out disrespect
The Morrison Government will today launch the $18.8 million third phase of the national campaign to reduce violence against women and their children to mark…
March indexation delivers increased payments
More than five million Australians will receive an increase to their social security payments from 20 March 2021 when indexation takes effect. Minister for Families…
Helping older Australians improve their digital skills, confidence and online safety
Older residents across Australia will be encouraged to bridge the digital divide through a new government investment to help senior Australians remain connected with friends…
$1.3 billion boost for Australian households
Around $1.3 billion will land in eligible Australians’ bank accounts from this week, as the Morrison Government delivers a fourth Economic Support Payment. As…
National Redress Scheme Financial Sanctions
A new Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) governance standard is now in place which requires registered charities to take reasonable steps to join the…
Morrison Government commits record $9B to social security safety net
The Morrison Government is enhancing our social security safety net by increasing support for unemployed Australians while strengthening their obligations to search for work. From…
Supporting Victoria through COVID-19
The Morrison Government will lift mutual obligation requirements for job seekers in Victoria from today 12 February 2021 to Monday 22 February 2021 inclusive. This…
Lifting mutual obligation requirements for bushfire affected areas in Western Australia
The Morrison Government will continue to support Western Australian communities devastated by bushfires, as they look to rebuild and recover. The Government is supporting job…
Funding boost for Queensland Cashless Debit Card support services
Support services in the Bundaberg and Hervey Bay regions will receive additional funding to provide ongoing assistance to local Cashless Debit Card participants. Minister for…
Supporting Western Australia through COVID-19
The Morrison Government will lift mutual obligation requirements for job seekers in the Perth Metropolitan, Peel and South West regions from today 1 February 2021 to Tuesday…
National Redress Scheme December 31 deadline update
About 450 institutions have signed up to the National Redress Scheme covering more than 60,650 sites including churches, children’s homes, schools, swimming centres and sports…
Breaking down barriers into the workforce for people with a disability and mental illness
The Morrison Government is investing in innovative strategies to address the barriers preventing people with mental illness and disability from finding and keeping a job.…
Delivering record support to prevent and address domestic violence
The Morrison Government continues to stand side-by-side with Australians as restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic impact families and the support services they rely on.…
Building education and employment opportunities for North-West Tasmania
The Morrison and Gutwein Governments will provide more than $2 million over five years to Burnie Works to help improve local employment opportunities. Minister for Families…
National Redress Scheme increases access for survivors
The Morrison Government is maximising access to redress for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse by ensuring all named institutions are obliged to join throughout…
Cashless Debit Card extension provides certainty for participants
The Cashless Debit Card will continue to support vulnerable people, families and communities following the passage in the Senate of legislation to maintain the program…
Temporary enhanced support extended for a further three months
The Morrison Government will continue to provide elevated levels of income support into the new year after Parliament today passed the Social Services and Other…
Community Services Ministers’ Meeting Communiqué
Community Services Ministers (CSM) met via teleconference on 27 November 2020. Ms Rachel Stephen-Smith, ACT Minister for Families and Community Services returned to CSM after…
New disability strategy to increase Australian Public Service employment opportunities
Marking International Day of People with Disability, the Morrison Government has today released a new Australian Public Service (APS) employment strategy to make employing people…
Disability Royal Commission Public Hearing COVID-19 Report
The Australian Government welcomes the COVID-19 report of the Disability Royal Commission. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has seen significant challenges in the way…
National partnership to promote Australians with disability
The Morrison Government has partnered with the ABC to promote the work and contribution of Australians with disability ahead of International Day of People with…
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, it is important that all Australians consider how they can each drive real and…
Retirement Income Review Final Report
The Morrison Government has today released the independent Retirement Income Review Final Report which confirms that “the Australian retirement income system is effective, sound and…
Supporting South Australians through the Coronavirus pandemic
Enhanced support and expanded access to Australia’s social security system is in place to support South Australians as the state grapples with COVID-19. Minister for…