The Australian Government today took a further step towards the recognition of Indigenous people in the Australian Constitution by appointing the members of the expert…
I congratulate Jeff Harmer AO on his outstanding service to the people of Australia and to successive governments over the past three decades. During his…
*** E & OE – Proof only *** WARREN MOORE: We’re only about 10 days away now when the paid parental leave’s coming in which…
*** E & OE – Proof only *** JENNY MACKLIN: Thanks very much for all being here today, on a Sunday. We’re very pleased that…
New national standards to improve the lives of children and young people living in foster homes and other formal out-of-home care were today agreed by…
The Australian Government today welcomed the announcement of the first Indigenous Australian to be awarded a Rhodes Scholarship in its 108-year history. Rebecca Richards is…
Today the Australian and New South Wales Governments and 17 Illawarra Aboriginal organisations committed to work together to improve the lives of local Aboriginal people…
The Australian Government is continuing to support Indigenous people in remote communities to find work and training opportunities, providing $6.5 million for Community Development Employment…
Young children with autism spectrum disorders can now access specialist early childhood services vital for them to reach their full potential at a new, autism-specific…
Today marks one year since the Australian and Northern Territory Governments began work on transforming the Alice Springs town camps. On 7 December last year…
From 1 January 2011 more than 940,000 Australians who receive Carer Allowance, Disability Support Pension (under 21, without children), Austudy, ABSTUDY and Youth Allowance will…
A new Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre in Melbourne will give young children with Autism Spectrum Disorders access to specialist early childhood services…
*** E & OE – Proof only *** TERRI BEGLEY: From 1 January 2011, which isn’t that far away, Australia’s first National Paid Parental Leave…
The Minister for Families, Jenny Macklin, today officially launched the Ipswich Communities for Children Plus service, which will provide a safe, happy and healthy environment…
More than 700 Queensland families have applied for Australia’s first national Paid Parental Leave scheme, with a month to go until the scheme begins on…
*** Check Against Delivery *** I would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we are meeting, the Kombumerri people, and…
An independent evaluation of the ground-breaking Indigenous welfare reform program underway in Cape York has found that positive change is occurring in the communities where…
Attorney-General Robert McClelland and the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin today welcomed the passage of legislation through Parliament that…
Essential air service access to Coen in the middle of the Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland is being ensured with funding from the…
The latest snapshot of birth trends in Australia highlights the need for the Australian Government’s national Paid Parental Leave scheme – with 292,156 women giving…
Nine outstanding individuals were honoured today for their contributions to the disability sector at the annual National Disability Awards. Among the award winners are educators,…
Australians receiving a Family Tax Benefit (FTB) need to lodge their tax returns for 2008-09 to make sure they have been paid their correct family…
E & OE – Proof only VIRGINIA TRIOLI: We’re joined from Canberra now by Families and Community Services Minister Jenny Macklin. Minister good morning and…
The Opposition’s Paid Parental Leave (Reduction of Compliance Burden for Employers) Amendment Bill 2010 is creating significant uncertainty for Australian families who have been waiting…
*** E & OE – Proof only *** Can I first of all thank Aunty Agnes very, very much for your very warm and generous…