Pension rate breaks the $400 mark

Media Release by Senator the Hon Amanda Vanstone

Minister for Family and Community Services, Amanda Vanstone, today announced that the single basic rate of pension would break the $400 a fortnight mark as…

Sun Herald and Channel 10 Claims on Pensions Wrong

Media Release by The Hon Larry Anthony MP

Unsourced claims published in the Sun Herald today and subsequently reported on the Ten Network used incorrect figures. “Claims of a $35.00 per fortnight cost…

Rent Assistance Letter – Normal Procedure

Media Release by The Hon Larry Anthony MP

A mail out to people receiving rent assistance was normal procedure under a formula which has been in operation since 1993, the Minister for Community…

Research confirms transgenerational welfare dependence

Media Release by Senator the Hon Amanda Vanstone

Newly published research showing that generations of families can be caught in welfare dependency has confirmed the need for welfare reform, Minister for Family and…

Pensioners Better Off

Media Release by The Hon Larry Anthony MP

Pensioners are far better off under the Coalition Government’s policies, illustrated clearly in a graph presented by the Prime Minister during question time today. The…

Survey – child care changes positive for families

Media Release by The Hon Larry Anthony MP

More families are using child care since the Federal Government’s Child Care Benefit (CCB) made it more affordable, Minister for Community Services Larry Anthony said…

Increases to Child Care Benefit a Boost for Families

Media Release by Senator the Hon Amanda Vanstone

Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Amanda Vanstone, today announced significant increases to the Commonwealth Child Care Benefit [CCB] for families, as a result…

Making it easier to get help and to give it

Media Release by Senator the Hon Amanda Vanstone

Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Vanstone, announced today an initiative aimed at simplifying the existing administrative requirements and arrangements for new customers when…

Showcasing Govt Services

Media Release by The Hon Larry Anthony MP

Minister for Community Services Larry Anthony today showcased a series of Centrelink projects aimed at achieving state-of-the-art service delivery by improving access and accuracy for…

Centrelink Option for Fine Defaulters

Media Release by The Hon Larry Anthony MP

A pilot program will help Queenslanders with debts registered through the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) pay fines and court penalties by having amounts deducted…

Good Beginnings for West Belconnen families

Media Release by The Hon Larry Anthony MP

Federal Minister for Community Services, Larry Anthony, today announced the first Good Beginnings program for the ACT that uses trained volunteers to offer parents assistance…

Social Security Changes for New Zealanders

Media Release by Senator the Hon Amanda Vanstone

Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Amanda Vanstone, today detailed new Social Security arrangements for new arrivals moving from New Zealand to Australia. Senator…

Labor divided over pensions

Media Release by Senator the Hon Amanda Vanstone

Minister for Family and Community Services, Amanda Vanstone, today said Labor was divided over the impact of GST on pensioners. “While Wayne Swan claims the…

Nominations open for Child Abuse Prevention Awards

Media Release by The Hon Larry Anthony MP

Federal Minister for Community Services, Larry Anthony, today urged organisations to nominate for the second biennial National Child Abuse Prevention Awards. The awards acknowledge and…

360 new Centrelink jobs

Media Release by The Hon Larry Anthony MP

Federal Minister for Community Services Larry Anthony today announced Centrelink will recruit 360 new call centre staff, to deal with employment and family queries. “Centrelink…

ACT gets share of funding to address drug issues

Media Release by Senator the Hon Amanda Vanstone

The ACT Government will receive part of $11 million in Federal Government funding set aside for programs which aim to help parents cope with drug…

Fighting child abuse

Media Release by The Hon Larry Anthony MP

A new committee to fight child abuse by identifying new measures to support children in crisis has been announced by Minister for Community Services Larry…

In Touch reunites families

Media Release by The Hon Larry Anthony MP

“Centrelink’s In Touch program last year received 1,650 requests to help ‘missing’ people get back in touch with their loved ones and friends,” Minister for…

Concrete commitment to volunteers

Media Release by The Hon Larry Anthony MP

 Federal Minister for Community Services, Larry Anthony today announced funding for the first round of pilot projects, enabling voluntary organisations to provide important support and…

Minister’s brushwork marks volunteer celebrations

Media Release by Senator the Hon Amanda Vanstone

Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Amanda Vanstone, today applied the first brush stroke to a mural in Adelaide which celebrates the efforts of…

$5.8million to help prevent child abuse

Media Release by The Hon Larry Anthony MP

The Coalition Government continued its efforts to support parents and prevent child abuse with the Minister for Community Services, Larry Anthony’s announcement today of $5.8…

Suicide and the separated man

Media Release by The Hon Larry Anthony MP

Minister for Community Services Larry Anthony said he is appalled by the latest statistics that reveal one separated man suicides every day in this country.…

Increased access to youth allowance

Media Release by The Hon Larry Anthony MP

Minister for Community Services Larry Anthony today said changes to the Youth Allowance assets test will help more 7,200 young people and their families. “The…

Anthony Salutes Newman

Media Release by The Hon Larry Anthony MP

The Federal Member for Richmond and Minister for Community Services Larry Anthony this afternoon paid tribute to Senator Jocelyn Newman who has announced her decision…