Contents
- Part 1 Executive Summary
- Part 2 Performance reporting
- Part 3 Corporate governance and accountability
- Part 4 Appendices
- Part 5 Financial Management
Annual Report 2008–2009
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Annual Report 2008–2009
Annual Report 2008–2009 » Chapter 7: Outcome 2
Services and assistance that help people to participate actively in community and economic life; access a responsible and sustainable safety net; and develop their capabilities.
Outcome 2 has six contributing output groups:
In 2008–09, FaHCSIA provided direct financial support to individuals in response to the global financial crisis and worked closely with the states and territories and the community sector to improve services and support for seniors, people with disability and their carers, youth and women.
In the lead-up to the centenary of the Age Pension, the Department undertook a wide-ranging review of the Age Pension that today is paid to approximately two million people. Over a period of nine months of consultations, research and analysis, the Pension Review explored contemporary issues facing pensioners and areas in which the pension can be reformed and strengthened to better support Australia's seniors. The findings of the review directly contributed to the Government's $14.2 billion Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform package announced in the 2009–10 Budget to provide greater financial security to Australia's 3.3 million age, carer, disability, war widow and widower, and service pensioners.
The Department is also supporting the Secretary, Dr Jeff Harmer, in his role as a member of the panel for the review of Australia's Future Tax System.
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To help people with disability and their carers, FaHCSIA negotiated a new National Disability Agreement and supported the National People with Disabilities and Carer Council to undertake extensive consultation on the development of a National Disability Strategy. The National Disability Agreement will reform and increase the services provided to people with disability, their families and their carers, while the National Disability Strategy will provide the framework for whole-of-life and whole-of-government policy.
To provide further financial support in response to the economic downturn, the Government also approved additional funding for emergency relief and financial counselling. See page 171 for further details.
In the 2008–09 Budget, the Government committed $293.6 million over five years to ensure significant improvements to assistance for families with children with disability or medical conditions. This included $273.6 million for changes to the eligibility and assessment processes for Carer Payment (child). During 2008–09, the Department undertook extensive research, development and legislative activities to ensure delivery of a new assessment process and fairer eligibility criteria for Carer Payment (child). From 1 July 2009, carers of children aged under 16 years with severe disability or severe medical conditions will be able to receive increased financial support from improved access to Carer Payment (child) through a more equitable assessment process and more streamlined administrative processes.
The global economic downturn has had a significant adverse impact on many Australians currently supported by FaHCSIA's services. As part of the Government's initial response, the Department contributed to the development of a lump-sum payment to seniors, people with disability and carers. Then, under the Government's $42 billion Nation Building – Economic Stimulus Plan, FaHCSIA played a key role in delivering a range of payments to support low and middle-income households, families, single workers, students, drought-affected farmers, people in housing stress and Indigenous Australians.
FaHCSIA supported the National Council to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children, which undertook extensive consultation across Australia to inform the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children. The National Council released its report, Time for Action, in March 2009. The report provides a framework for social change and outcomes for assisting women and their children to live free from violence, within respectful relationships and in safe communities. The Government announced $42 million in initiatives to support achievement of these outcomes.
FaHCSIA has taken an active role in supporting women's participation in decision making on important policy issues. The Department worked to ensure Indigenous women's contributions to policy by supporting their involvement in the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women's Gathering. We have also consulted widely with women's organisations to ensure the full diversity of Australian women's needs and issues will be represented in future policy development.
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On 14 October 2008, the Australian Government announced a $10.4 billion Economic Security Strategy (ESS) to strengthen the Australian economy in the face of the global financial crisis.
As part of this strategy, the Government delivered $8.8 billion in lump-sum payments to families, pensioners and carers, providing them with immediate financial help.
The First Home Owners Boost was another key measure and included a $1.5 billion investment to help first home buyers to purchase a home.
FaHCSIA was tasked with developing and implementing two information campaigns to support the ESS. The ESS Payments campaign reached approximately six million people from mid-December 2008. The aims of the campaign were to raise awareness of lump-sum payments and provide details on eligibility and payment timetables. Strategies included radio and press advertisements, online marketing, a brochure, a letter and website content.
The First Home Owners Boost campaign was delivered through radio, newspaper and internet advertising. The campaign also featured a comprehensive public relations program in which stakeholders and intermediaries (such as financial institutions, real estate providers and the housing sector) were provided with booklets, posters, editorial material for newsletters and online presence.
Information on both campaigns was primarily available through the FaHCSIA website, and advertised at www.australia.gov.au.
The campaigns were the first for the Department to be developed in accordance with the new Australian Government Guidelines on Campaign Advertising, which involved certification by the Secretary and review by the Auditor-General.
This section outlines the specific achievements that contributed towards achieving FaHCSIA's goals for Outcome 2, as well as the challenges we experienced along the way. It also reports on the Department's performance against the measures and strategies set out in our 2008–09 Portfolio Budget Statements and related Budget documents.
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FaHCSIA supports senior Australians by providing income support and concessions targeted to those in need and providing incentives and information to assist them to manage their savings and investments.
Our key achievements for supporting seniors in 2008–09 are outlined below.
Dr Jeff Harmer submitted the report of his findings from the Pension Review on 27 February 2009 to the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Hon. Jenny Macklin, MP, and the Secretary to the Treasury, Dr Ken Henry. The report was the culmination of nine months of research, analysis and consultation, which explored issues facing pensioners including financial security and wellbeing, and identified priority areas for pension reform.
The global financial crisis significantly reduced the private income and assets of many seniors. The Centrelink Financial Information Service provided information to seniors on how they might adjust their financial arrangements in response to the impact of the global financial crisis.
The Age Pension system responded as intended to provide additional assistance to seniors where needed. Many seniors received an increased rate of the Age Pension, while others became eligible for the Age Pension for the first time.
The FaHCSIA portfolio made adjustments to the pension system to assist seniors, including those receiving a part-rate Age Pension. These adjustments included special and regular updates of the values of shares and managed investments used in pension assessments, and reductions in the social security income test deeming rates to reflect lower returns on financial investments. The deeming rates were reduced in November 2008, January 2009 and March 2009; they were halved over this period. The Government also suspended the minimum drawdown requirements for account-based superannuation pensions from January 2009. This relief, through the operation of the income test, resulted in some additional people receiving Age Pension payments.
The Government's Economic Security Strategy included lump-sum payments for seniors, carers and people with disability to provide support in the face of the global financial crisis. Around 3.7 million seniors, carers and people with disability received payments of $1,400 for singles or $2,100 for couples combined.
Commencing on 1 July 2008, the Government introduced a maximum portability period of 13 weeks for concession cards issued under the Social Security Act 1991. This allowed concession card holders to retain their concession cards during temporary absences from Australia of up to 13 weeks, instead of having them cancelled on departure and having to reclaim and have them reissued upon return to Australia.
The Government introduced a review and compliance regime for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) that will include data matching with the Australian Taxation Office and risk profile–based reviews to ensure only customers who are eligible retain the card.
FaHCSIA implemented the national partnership agreement on reciprocal public transport concessions, which allows State Seniors Card holders to access public transport concessions when they travel interstate. The Government provided $50 million over four years to implement this measure.
FaHCSIA provides support to people with disability and their families and carers and promotes their social inclusion by providing income support such as the Disability Support Pension, employment services, respite care and other services such as captioning information services, postal concessions for the blind, and advocacy. We also work closely with state and territory governments, which deliver specialist disability services including accommodation, community support and respite services under the new National Disability Agreement.
Our key achievements in supporting people with disability in 2008–09 are outlined below.
At the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) November 2008 meeting to discuss the new financial framework and specific purpose payment reforms, COAG agreed on a new National Disability Agreement to replace the third Commonwealth State/Territory Disability Agreement. The National Disability Agreement commenced on 1 January 2009.
Under the new agreement, the Commonwealth will provide more than $5 billion in funding over five years to the states for specialist disability services. In 2013 the Australian Government's contribution will exceed $1.2 billion, compared to $620 million in 2007.
The reform of the disability services system will create an effective, efficient and equitable system with a focus on early intervention; timely, person-centred approaches; and lifelong planning.
The new agreement outlines eight reform priority areas, including better measurement of unmet need and increased access for Indigenous Australians. By helping people with disability establish stable and sustainable living arrangements, increase choices and improve health and wellbeing, the agreement will assist them to live as independently as possible.
Working towards improving support and removing barriers for people with disability, the Government established the National People with Disabilities and Carer Council to provide advice on the development of a National Disability Strategy. The council's work also builds on the Government's ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in July 2008. The council undertook an extensive consultation process, supported by the Department, to guide and inform their work, ensuring that the strategy reflected the needs of people with disability and their families and carers. Focusing on caring needs, education, training, accessibility, employment, income and social inclusion, the strategy will set the direction of future disability policy.
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On 17 October 2008, the Hon. Jenny Macklin, MP, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services, the Hon. Bill Shorten, MP, launched a discussion paper on the development of the National Disability Strategy. The paper invited people to have their say by participating in a series of public consultations across Australia.
The aim of the public consultations was to identify and explore the barriers faced by people with disability, and their families, friends and carers, in their daily lives and to explore ideas about how these barriers could be broken down. There was a strong response, with more than 2,500 people attending capital city forums and focus groups in regional and remote areas and more than 750 written submissions received.
FaHCSIA organised each capital city consultation, which was chaired by Dr Rhonda Galbally AO, Chairperson of the National People with Disabilities and Carer Council. Dr Galbally said she felt privileged to attend the consultations and hear people's stories first-hand.
'I would like to personally thank each and every person who took the time to write a submission or who attended consultations across the country. Their readiness to reveal personal details was both remarkable and encouraging. It was clear to me that people were willing to do so only in the hope that they would finally see change.'
Photo above: Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs,
the Hon. Jenny Macklin, MP, and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services,
the Hon. Bill Shorten, MP, at the launch of the National Disability Strategy Consultation Report, with
Dr Rhonda Galbally AO, Chairperson of the National People with Disabilities and Carer Council.
The Disability Support Pension was increased in the 2009–10 Budget under the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform package. The Government has also improved assessment processes to ensure the eligibility rules appropriately recognise the capacity of people with disability to engage in the workforce.
Providing job opportunities for people with disability is integral to ensuring that they are accorded the same rights as other Australians when it comes to finding employment. The Department implemented initiatives aimed at improving the viability of Australian Disability Enterprises, which included a one-off marketing payment and additional financial assistance during the current period of reduced economic activity.
We also implemented an additional 278 supported employment places for people with disability in locations where demand was high. Providing these new employment places will enable people with disability to engage in a wide variety of work tasks under the same working conditions as those in the general workforce.
Special Disability Trusts assist families wishing to make private financial provision for the future care and accommodation needs of a family member with severe disability. The slow take-up of these trusts prompted the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs to inquire into the barriers preventing their use.
FaHCSIA developed the Government response to the inquiry as well as the Government response to the Senate Community Affairs Committee Report, Building trust: Supporting families through Disability Trusts, tabled by the Government on 14 May 2009.
As an important step in addressing the barriers to the uptake of Special Disability Trusts, the Government agreed to the following measures:
The Government has also committed to consider further those recommendations with significant legislative and budgetary implications, such as broadening the eligibility requirements to make it easier for people to establish Special Disability Trusts.
The Australian State and Territory Disability Ministers agreed in May 2008 to deliver $1.9 billion in funding for more than 24,800 additional disability places, including around 2,300 in-home support services; 2,400 supported accommodation places; 10,100 individual support packages; and 10,000 much-needed respite places across Australia. Implementation of the funding addressing the designated areas continued through the 2008–09 Budget year.
Funding of $51 million over three years ending in 2009–10 was transferred to state and territory governments to develop additional respite capacity for older carers. The implementation of this work is continuing through the National Disability Agreement in 2009.
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Australian Disability Enterprises are commercial businesses that provide employment opportunities for approximately 20,000 people with moderate to severe disability. There are currently 351 outlets operating across Australia. FaHCSIA provides funding to assist with their extra operating costs, such as employing support workers to assist their employees with disability.
Previously called Business Services, FaHCSIA renamed the sector Australian Disability Enterprises in November 2008, to better reflect the core values and nature of these businesses. This rebranding coincided with the release of the revised Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines, which include an exemption for purchases from an Australian Disability Enterprise, as long as value for money is obtained.
FaHCSIA also commissioned a new Australian Disability Enterprises website to enable businesses and governments to quickly and easily access information about products and services and obtain up-to-date contact details.
The website resource, www.australiandisabilityenterprises.com.au, was launched by the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services, the Hon. Bill Shorten, MP, at a CEO networking breakfast held at the Melbourne Museum in April 2009. The event was attended by over 90 CEOs, Australian Disability Enterprise managers and employees, providing a fantastic opportunity for business leaders to learn about Australian Disability Enterprises first hand. Mr Ken Ryan, Qantas Regional Manager (Southern Australia), provided the keynote address, reinforcing the company's commitment to using Australian Disability Enterprises and encouraging other businesses to do the same.
FaHCSIA continues to support Australian Disability Enterprises, promoting the message that engaging them is more than just good business.
Photo above: (left to right) Mr Glenn Hodgkin, General Manager of Ozanam Enterprises;
Mr Cameron McKay, Employee of Ozanam Enterprises; the Hon. Bill Shorten, MP, Parliamentary
Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services; and Mr Ken Ryan, Qantas Regional Manager
(Southern Australia).
FaHCSIA is committed to providing improved support for children with autism spectrum disorders and their families and carers.
Our key achievements for supporting children with autism spectrum disorders in 2008–09 are outlined below.
To help address the need for support and services for children with autism spectrum disorders, the Government (through FaHCSIA, the Department of Health and Ageing, and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations) is delivering the $190 million Helping Children with Autism package. This is the first national initiative to help families deal with this challenging disorder and is a major breakthrough in support for these children and their families and carers.
Since July 2008, implementing the package has involved developing a pathway for families and carers of children with autism spectrum disorders involving five sub-strategies: an early intervention service provider panel, an autism advisor program, a national workshops program, an autism spectrum disorders website, and playgroups.
The Department consulted extensively with the autism sector and with state and territory governments about the rollout of the package to ensure better outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorders and their families. We have put in place 50 PlayConnect playgroups, 32 autism advisors, an autism addition to the Raising Children website, and Early Days workshops in each state and territory.
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To help address the need for support and services for children with autism spectrum disorders, the Government is delivering its $190 million Helping Children with Autism package. One of the initiatives in this package is the Autism Advisor Program.
Since October 2008, autism advisors across Australia have been assisting families and carers of children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder by providing information about the most appropriate early intervention services. These advisors are the link between the clinical diagnosis and access to early intervention programs and support services. They also assist eligible families to access funding for early intervention services and grants to support families from outer regional and remote areas.
One story of a family that has benefited from the Autism Advisor Program involves a mother who came for a consultation after being given the program phone number by another mother at her son's early education centre. Despite her son being diagnosed with 'classic autism' in 2006, the mother had limited knowledge of autism spectrum disorders and did not know what services were available. Her child is non-verbal and has a number of challenging behaviours. Until that point, she had only accessed generic (that is, not autism-specific) disability services.
This mother was amazed to hear about the services available that might be appropriate for her son. The mother identified placement at an early educational program for children with autism spectrum disorders as her preference, but the child would have to wait at least six months. Other options for intervention were explored to find a service that could provide assistance as soon as possible. Appropriate services were contacted by the advisor, who explained the intake procedure and helped the mother complete the necessary paperwork.
After the child's needs were prioritised, the early intervention service contacted the family within two weeks to offer weekly therapy. After six weeks of therapy, the mother reported that her son had made noticeable improvement, such as verbally greeting members of his family for the first time.
In addition to the Helping Children with Autism package, the Government is establishing six Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centres. These centres will provide early learning programs and specific support to children with autism spectrum disorders or autism-like symptoms in a long day care setting. The first of the six centres commenced operation in late June 2009 and another five will commence during 2009–10.
FaHCSIA continues to implement community mental health initiatives to assist people with mental illness and their families and carers to manage the impact of mental illness. The initiatives provide increased opportunities for recovery by helping people with mental illness overcome social isolation and increase their connections to the community with the support of personal helpers and mentors and through brokered and flexible respite services.
Our key achievements in 2008–09 for supporting people with a mental illness are outlined below.
Significant progress was made in 2008–09 in coordinating mental health policies across Australian Government portfolios and with state and territory governments. This cooperation is aimed at moving towards greater coordination and integration of state clinical providers and community support programs for people with severe and enduring mental illness.
Forty-four mental health community-based service providers across all states and territories continue to deliver services aimed at building on family strengths and improving resilience and family functioning, particularly for Indigenous families and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
The mental health and intellectual disability respite services have continued to expand, with an additional 16 new services funded to support carers. An Australian Government initiative forming part of the Council of Australian Governments' National Action Plan on Mental Health, provides flexible respite options for carers of people with mental illness and psychiatric disability or intellectual disability.
The Personal Helpers and Mentors Program provides increased opportunities for recovery for people who have a severe functional limitation resulting from a severe mental illness. To enhance this program, a further 79 program sites were implemented nationally during 2008–09 to increase social support for people with mental illness. This included support for engagement with their community, families and carers.
FaHCSIA also developed a remote service model under the program that recognises and promotes spiritual, cultural, mental health and physical health for Indigenous Australians living with mental illness in remote communities. The model is initially being implemented in Yuendumu, Northern Territory; West Kimberley/Broome, Western Australia; and Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands, South Australia.
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Anne* is an Indigenous woman who has had a severe mental illness since a young age. She lives in a rural community with limited resources and referral opportunities.
Anne has regularly been admitted to acute care hospitals to manage her illness.
Anne was on a Community Treatment Order**. Despite this, she was unable to take her medication regularly and receive fortnightly injections as she did not have enough money to pay for the medication. Anne also had difficulty getting transport to the chemist, to the local clinic to receive her injections and to larger centres for further medical treatment.
Anne was referred to the Personal Helpers and Mentors Program (PHaMs) through the mental health team at the local hospital. FaHCSIA organised for a Centrepay deduction from Anne's pension to be paid directly to the chemist to cover the cost of her medication.
Each month, the PHaMs staff take Anne into town to collect her medication from the pharmacy, and on a fortnightly basis to the clinic to have her injections. They have also organised appointments with doctors, psychiatrists, mental health workers and other medical specialists and arranged transport with other family members as required.
Since becoming a PHaMs client, Anne's health has greatly improved and she has not been admitted to hospital. Anne says she enjoys the social contact with the staff.
* Name and other personal details have been changed to protect privacy.
** A legal order setting out terms under which a person must accept medication and therapy implemented by a mental health facility.
FaHCSIA provides assistance to carers that recognises and supports the important role and contribution of carers in our community. Support includes funding respite and information services for young carers; providing payments to people who provide daily care at home to a person with disability or severe medical condition, or who are frail aged; and providing income support to people whose caring responsibilities prevent them from substantial workforce participation.
Our key achievements for supporting carers in 2008–09 are outlined below.
Carers face significant financial pressure in addition to the sacrifices they make in order to care for some of the most vulnerable people in our community. In recognition of this, the Government introduced the new $600 Carer Supplement in the 2009–10 Budget as part of the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform package. This supplement replaces ad hoc bonuses with a legislated annual supplement, providing carers with better financial security.
Introduced in the 2009–10 Budget, the Carer Supplement is an annual payment of $600 to recipients of Carer Allowance for each person being cared for. It is a permanent increase in assistance paid to carers and replaces the previous one-off bonuses, to ensure ongoing and certain assistance for carers.
An additional $600 Carer Supplement is also paid to recipients of Carer Payment, recipients of both Wife Pension and Carer Allowance, recipients of Department of Veterans' Affairs Partner Service Pension, Carer Allowance, and recipients of Department of Veterans' Affairs Carer Service Pension.
FaHCSIA undertook extensive research, development and legislative drafting activities to ensure delivery from 1 July 2009 of a new assessment process, and fairer eligibility criteria for carers of children with a severe disability or severe medical condition under the age of 16 years in need of access to Carer Payment. The success of this project will better support people whose caring responsibilities prevent them from undertaking substantial workforce participation.
The Department supported the Young Carers Forum: Bring It! 2008, which was held in November 2008 at Parliament House. The two-day forum provided young carers, key stakeholders, academics and government representatives with an opportunity to contribute to the development of young carers policy. Recommendations from the forum will be taken into consideration in framing the Government's response to the House of Representatives inquiry into better support for carers.
An additional 60 MyTime peer support groups were rolled out for parents of young children with disability, bringing the total number of groups to 204. The intensity of their caring role puts parents and carers of young children with disability at significant risk of being isolated and socially disconnected from family and friends. MyTime plays an important role in addressing these issues by providing peer support groups that allow parents and carers to socialise and obtain information on community support services.
FaHCSIA supports women by increasing their opportunities to live free of discrimination and violence and to participate fully in the economic, social and cultural life of Australian society.
Our key achievements in 2008–09 for supporting women are outlined below.
FaHCSIA supported an 11-member National Council to Reduce Violence against Women, chaired by Ms Libby Lloyd AM. The council was established to provide advice to the Government about reducing violence against women and their children. The council conducted significant research to assess the existing evidence, the operation of legal systems and the economic costs of violence against women. It also consulted with more than 2,000 Australians from all sectors of the community.
The National Council produced its report, Time for Action, which was presented to the Australian Government in April 2009. At the handover of the council's report, the Prime Minister, the Hon. Kevin Rudd, MP, announced the Government's immediate response of $42 million to address the issues raised by the report. This included funding of $12.5 million for a new national domestic violence and sexual assault telephone and online crisis service. A further $26 million was provided for primary prevention activities, including a respectful relationships program and social marketing. Funding of $3 million was allocated to conduct research on perpetrator treatment and the harmonisation of federal and state and territory laws. An additional $400,000 was provided for the Violence Against Women Advisory Group to advise on the development of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women.
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In May 2008, the Minister for the Status of Women, the Hon. Tanya Plibersek, MP, established the National Council to Reduce Violence against Women, under the leadership of Ms Libby Lloyd AM. The aim of establishing the council was to achieve key elements of the Government's 2007 federal election commitment to improve women's safety.
The council's task was to provide the Government with advice on the development of an evidence-based plan of action to reduce the incidence and impact of domestic and family violence and sexual assault on women and their children.
The council's work included a national conversation with over 2,000 Australians, whose stories of success and failure helped to shape the council's report. Participants in the consultation included survivors of violence; perpetrators of violence; educators; service providers; people living in rural and remote areas; members of Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse communities; women with disability; members of the judiciary; representatives of the state and territory governments; and members of the public.
The council formally presented its report, Time for Action: The National Council's Plan for Australia to Reduce Violence against Women, 2009–2021, and accompanying documents to the Prime Minister on 29 April 2009. The report identifies six core areas for improvement, supported by 25 strategies and 117 actions, of which 20 are identified as high-priority actions for governments and the community to help Australian women live free of violence, within respectful relationships and in safe communities.
As an immediate response to the 20 high-priority actions recommended by the council, the Prime Minister announced an initial investment of $42 million over four years to implement measures designed to improve the safety of women and their children. The Australian Government also committed to refer the council's report to the Council of Australian Governments to achieve a comprehensive response, articulated through an endorsed National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women, by early 2010.
Photo above: The Prime Minister, the Hon. Kevin Rudd, MP, and Minister for Housing and Minister for the Status of Women, the Hon. Tanya Plibersek, MP, greet Canberra school students at the launch of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women.
FaHCSIA provided funding for the development of the National Standards for the Primary Prevention of Sexual Assault through Education, which were commissioned by the National Association of Services Against Sexual Violence and launched by the Minister for the Status of Women, the Hon. Tanya Plibersek, MP, in May 2009. The standards are designed to enhance the field of sexual assault prevention education and to build primary prevention capacity. They are being tested in the community and will set a benchmark for best practice preventive education for future programs.
The Department expanded the successful ambassador programs, which are run by the White Ribbon Foundation in rural and regional Australia to promote cultural change among young people, particularly young men, to reduce violence against women. The program provides positive role models for men by appointing prominent men from many fields as ambassadors who can use their leadership skills and networks to raise awareness of this important issue.
The White Ribbon Foundation has recruited more than 700 ambassadors to promote the work of the foundation and encourage attitude and behavioural change. Ambassadors include many well-known and respected Australian men from the sporting, political and business arenas, including the Prime Minister, the Hon. Kevin Rudd, MP, and the Parliamentary Secretary, the Hon. Bill Shorten, MP.
Victims of people trafficking often face exploitation through slavery, forced labour including sex work, and servitude. Deceived about the nature of the work they will do, victims are threatened with violence and subject to economic leverage such as debt bondage. They are also commonly denied basic human rights, such as personal liberty.
In addressing these issues, FaHCSIA implemented policy changes, announced by the Government on 17 June 2009, to Australia's anti-people trafficking strategy to provide improved support for victims. These changes have simplified the visa framework and expanded the Support for Victims of People Trafficking Program, enabling a wider range of trafficking victims to access support services.
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The Support for Victims of People Trafficking Program is a component of Australia's anti-people trafficking strategy. The program is administered by the Office for Women in partnership with the Attorney-General's Department, the Australian Federal Police, the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. The Australian Red Cross is contracted by the Office for Women to provide support services as part of this program to clients who have been identified as victims of people trafficking. Victims of people trafficking are a particularly vulnerable group who generally have high needs, often suffering significant post-traumatic stress and with limited English language skills and low levels of education.
Clients have an individual caseworker who assists them with a range of support while they are in the program, including one-on-one support. A caseworker may work with up to seven clients at any one time and must be available to help clients with any problems as they arise. Caseworkers help clients to find safe and secure short- or long-term accommodation, arrange and accompany clients to doctors' appointments, attend Centrelink with clients to organise special benefits if they are not working, and help clients to set up a home and purchase household goods. Some clients also need help with everyday things, like how to catch public transport.
In any one day caseworkers may help clients find training courses, including learning English, that will assist them to find employment in Australia; organise for interpreters to attend appointments so that clients receive necessary information; and provide support and referral on legal matters, like migration issues. If a caseworker is unable to find an appropriate solution to an issue, they refer and accompany clients to more specialised services. Caseworkers also assist clients who are transitioning out of the program.
The Department supported the Australian delegation to the 53rd session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in March 2009. Minister Plibersek led the delegation in the first week, delivering Australia's country statement and presenting on a panel with the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to commemorate International Women's Day. Australia is pursuing three key priority areas for advancing gender equality: improving women's economic outcomes and financial independence, ensuring women's voices are heard at all levels of decision making, and reducing violence against women.
FaHCSIA supported the National Women's Alliances (known as National Women's Secretariats until November 2008) to engage strongly with the Government on key women's issues. These included the Pension Review and the wider inquiry into Australia's Future Tax System and the development of the Paid Parental Leave scheme.
The Department established the Women's Interdepartmental Committee in March 2009. The committee promotes the skills and tools necessary to ensure government policies and programs within and across portfolios reflect the different needs of men and women. The committee also works to improve the capacity of the Australian public service to provide advice that is gender sensitive.
FaHCSIA collaborated with the Australian Sports Commission to deliver the 2009–10 Sports Leadership Grants for Women Program. These grants provide developmental opportunities for women to reach their potential by supporting women to pursue accredited training and development across all areas of sport. A total of 132 projects shared $500,000 in funding, an increase of $100,000 on last year's funding round.
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The Muslim Women's National Network of Australia supported Muslim women's full participation in Australian society through a series of workshops held across the country in 2008–09 to build governance, strategic planning and advocacy skills among Muslim women and the organisations representing their needs.
The Self-Esteem, Identity, Leadership and Community project addressed the issues that are relevant to Australian Muslim women today: language difficulties, financial issues, access to information, self-development, self-esteem, women's rights, communication and conflict resolution.
Participants found the workshops not only provided them with the information they need to represent themselves and their communities, but also gave them the confidence to be leaders and decision makers.
'The workshop made me aware of my strengths as a community leader but more importantly it made me aware of the gaps in my skills and I am now looking towards improving my skills because of my attendance at the workshop', said one woman.
'I am sure this workshop will set precedents to help Muslim women be more represented in the community', said another participant.
The workshops were funded under FaHCSIA's 2007–08 Women's Leadership and Development Program Grants, which were awarded to activities that aimed to promote women's social inclusion, build women's capacity to take on greater leadership responsibilities, and enhance advocacy and service delivery by national women's non-government organisations.
Reconnect has been closely aligned with the goals of the Government's White Paper on homelessness (discussed under Outcome 4) to better support young people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Addressing youth homelessness contributes to Outcome 2 by assisting young people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, through funding early intervention services under the Reconnect program. This program prevents homelessness and reduces its impact, particularly on families with young people, by providing early intervention support to young people aged 12 to 18 years who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and their families.
Reconnect provides support to the whole family to help break the cycle of homelessness, which can begin at an early age. The program operates across Australia and provides support to a broad range of young people, including Indigenous people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Services offered by Reconnect include counselling, group work, family mediation and practical support to both the young person and their family.
FaHCSIA works with other countries to build and maintain bilateral ties as well as to develop and implement social security agreements. Australia's social security agreements with a range of countries help to ensure the integrity of Australian social security payments overseas.
FaHCSIA's key international achievements in 2008–09 are outlined below.
FaHCSIA implemented new agreements with Greece and Korea (1 October 2008), Japan (1 January 2009) and Finland (1 July 2009). These agreements are bilateral treaties that close gaps in social security coverage for people who migrate between countries. This is achieved by overcoming barriers to pension payment in domestic legislation such as requirements on citizenship, the minimum contributions record, the past residence record and current country of residence.
The Department built and maintained strategic multilateral relationships with key partners in the Six Countries social policy forums. This included effectively coordinating the Australian delegation's preparation for the Windsor Conference that was held in the United Kingdom in April 2009.
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This section describes some of the challenges the Department met when delivering Outcome 2 initiatives and how we worked to overcome them.
The global financial crisis significantly reduced the private income and assets of many seniors. The Age Pension system responded as intended to provide additional assistance to seniors where it was needed. Many seniors received an increased rate of the Age Pension while others became eligible for the Age Pension for the first time.
The FaHCSIA portfolio made adjustments to the pension system to assist seniors, including those receiving a part-rate Age Pension. These adjustments included special and regular updates of the values of shares and managed investments used in pension assessments, and reductions in the social security income test deeming rates to reflect lower returns on financial investments. The deeming rates were reduced in November 2008, January 2009 and March 2009. The deeming rates were halved over this period. The Government also suspended the minimum drawdown requirements for account based superannuation pensions from January 2009. This relief, through the operation of the income test, resulted in some additional people receiving Age Pension payments.
The Centrelink Financial Information Service provided information to seniors on how they might adjust their financial arrangements in response to the impact of the global financial crisis.
On 17 July 2008 Australia ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations noted that 'to be effective, disability policy direction must start with the needs of people with disability, and no-one knows these better than people with disability themselves. That's why it's so important that the Government has signalled its commitment to put into practice the disability sector's core demand: Nothing About Us, Without Us!'. However, ratifying the Convention in itself is not enough to make a difference. The Department is taking forward the objectives of the Convention to ensure all areas of the Department and the Government are mindful of the Convention when developing policy advice and implementing programs.
A key action for giving effect to the Convention will be the development of the National Disability Strategy. In September 2008 the Hon. Jenny Macklin, MP, and the Hon. Bill Shorten, MP, announced the establishment of the National People with Disabilities and Carer Council to provide advice on the development and implementation of the Strategy. The 28-member Council is chaired by Dr Rhonda Galbally, AO, and includes Council members who represent a diverse range of backgrounds and experience. The Council includes people with disability and their families, carers, industry and union representatives and academics. Several members have extensive experience in advocating for the needs of people with intellectual disability as well as those with high support needs.
The Council undertook consultations in each capital city. Focus groups were also held in regional and remote areas targeting specific groups, including Indigenous people, people from diverse cultural backgrounds and women. There was a strong response with more than 2,500 people attending these public forums and more than 750 written submissions received. These consultations will contribute to the development of the National Disability Strategy.
The development of the Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centres has been a complex initiative, both in the design and implementation of the capital construction and in operational components. The service delivery model brings together three best practice domains: early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders, child care for children with special needs and early childhood education. The Department has worked closely with selected providers and other specialists to identify emerging opportunities and issues and develop joint solutions. The first of the six centres commenced operation in late June 2009 with the other five due to commence in 2009–10.
It is important that the Department understand the experience of carers in order to develop informed and evidence-based policies that support the contribution of carers. The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Family, Community, Housing and Youth inquiry into better support for carers helped the Department to gain a better understanding of the issues affecting carers. The inquiry received more than 1,300 written submissions from carers and organisations sharing their challenges and experiences of caring for a person with disability or severe medical condition or who is frail aged. The inquiry reported on 25 May 2009. The Department is assisting the Government by leading the development of the Government response to the inquiry.
The reform of Carer Payment (child) required complex policy changes to be accurately and concisely translated into legislation. Significant effort was put into research to support the new legislation and policy framework. The Department worked closely with Centrelink to ensure the reform could be implemented on time.
The development of the new carer assessment questionnaire was informed by advice from an expert panel of health professionals. A mail-out of a pilot questionnaire was conducted to ensure advice was received in time.
Developing a nationally led cross-jurisdictional response to combating violence against women in the shadow of a global financial crisis requires innovation and commitment in equal measures. Ensuring that all governments work together on this important issue requires a high level of commitment. In 2008–09 the Government referred the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in order to give it the high-level attention it needs.
Ensuring that women are appropriately represented across all sectors, and that their views and experiences are understood and considered in the development of Government policy, remains an ongoing challenge. In 2008–09 the Minister for the Status of Women asked the Office for Women to develop a model that refocuses the way government engages with women's organisations and ensures that it hears a wide range of women's perspectives. The Office for Women consulted widely with Australian women's organisations to ensure participation of those women who are not usually engaged with government, so that future models of engagement represent the diversity of women's needs and issues.
The Department's primary response to youth homelessness is the Reconnect program. From 1 July 2009, the Newly Arrived Youth Support Services will be integrated into the existing arrangements for Reconnect providers. The challenge in 2008–09 was to prepare for a smooth transition. The Department developed streamlined processes and worked closely with providers to ensure they understood what the new arrangements meant and how the changes would impact on their services. At the same time the Department developed improved performance systems for the program.
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This measure abolished the Employment Entry Payment from 1 July 2008 to remove duplication with the assistance provided by the Working Credit. The measure delivers on the Government's commitment to responsible economic management and will provide net savings of $60.8 million over five years.
To make it easier for people who travel overseas, portability of concession cards was introduced from 1 July 2008. This ended the requirement to cancel cards when a person departs Australia for up to 13 weeks.
The Broadband for Seniors measure provides free computer access, free broadband internet access and free computer training and/or regular computer workshops through community organisations to help build the confidence of senior Australians in using new technology. The initiative responds to the needs of senior Australians wishing to be trained in the use of the internet and to help them stay connected to family and friends.
As part of the 2008–09 Budget, the Government provided $25.7 million over four years to provide the disability employment sector with continued access to the Business Services Wage Assessment Tool. The tool assesses worker productivity and competency to assist in determining a fair wage for people with disability in supported employment. The free wage assessments are conducted by qualified Commonwealth Rehabilitation Services Australia staff.
In 2008–09, the Government provided around $428.1 million for one-off lump-sum carer bonus payments to support carers in recognition of their important role and the contribution they make in our community.
A payment of $1,000 was made to carers who received Carer Payment or the Department of Veterans' Affairs Carer Service Pension. Carer Allowance recipients who received a Wife Pension or the Department of Veterans' Affairs Partner Service Pension also received $1,000.
Carer Allowance recipients were paid $600 for each eligible care receiver. Carer Bonus payments are not subject to income tax, nor are they treated as income for social security purposes.
This measure involved the cancellation of the Partner Service Pension of a partner 12 months after the date of their separation from the veteran, or from the date that the veteran or partner commences a new marriage or de facto relationship, if that occurs first. As a result, some people would be expected to instead receive FaHCSIA income support payments.
This measure introduces a review and compliance regime for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card that will include data matching with the Australian Taxation Office, and risk-profile-based reviews, to ensure only customers who continue to be eligible retain the card.
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In the 2008–09 Budget, $114.5 million was invested over four years to June 2012. Funding was for the establishment of Early Learning and Care Centres in 38 priority locations, including the six autism specific centres.
Of this, $96.8 million was appropriated to the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations for child care-related funding (such as the Child Care Benefit and Child Care Tax Rebate) and the construction and fit-out of the 38 centres.
Funding of $16.4 million was appropriated to FaHCSIA to be put towards salary and wage expenses directly attributable to employment of six specialist staff and five trained child care workers for each of the autism specific centres over the four-year period. This amount also includes funding for establishment, communications and clinical evaluation for the centres.
As at 30 June 2009 the service providers of the Adelaide, south-western Sydney and Melbourne autism specific centres have been announced. Selection of service providers for the Perth, Brisbane and north-west Tasmanian centres is still under way.
Under this measure, from 1 July 2009, carers of children aged under 16 years with disability or a severe medical condition will be able to receive increased financial support from improved access to Carer Payment (child), through a more equitable assessment process and more streamlined administrative processes.
The Government increased the number of assessments of people receiving payments through Centrelink, where data matching with the Australian Taxation Office suggests the need for such a review. The reviews will seek to identify people who have failed to declare, or may have under-declared, income or assets to Centrelink. This measure will reduce overpayments and will lead to the recovery of amounts already incorrectly paid.
A National Disability Strategy was one of the key recommendations of the 2007 Senate inquiry into the Commonwealth State Territory Disability Agreement. The aim of the strategy is to provide direction and focus at a national level for the development of disability legislation, policy and standards that deliver a whole-of-government, whole-of-life approach to disability planning.
A National Disability Strategy Reference Group has been established to draw together the collective knowledge and experience of the Australian and state and territory governments on a range of initiatives to advance the participation and social inclusion of people with disability. The Reference Group will also be involved in the development of a monitoring and reporting process across all levels of government.
The National Disability Strategy will be an important mechanism to ensure that the principles underpinning the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities are incorporated into policies and programs affecting people with disability, their families and their carers. The strategy will be released in 2010.
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Before January 2009, Seniors Card holders could generally only access public transport concessions in their home state. The Government has provided $50 million over four years to achieve national reciprocal public transport concessions for Seniors Card holders. The measure was implemented in most states and territories from January 2009, and all state and territory governments had signed the agreement by June 2009.
Seniors Cards are issued by state and territory governments to residents who are generally aged over 60 and no longer working full-time. Eligibility for the Seniors Card varies slightly between jurisdictions.
Funding for this measure is one element of the National Partnership on Certain Concessions for Pensioners and Seniors Card Holders—for which funding is allocated through the Commonwealth Treasury portfolio.
In September 2008, Australia and Finland signed a new Social Security Agreement that came into effect from 1 July 2009. The agreement provides improved access to pensions for people who spend part of their adult lives in both Australia and Finland. It allows people who now live in either country to claim pension entitlements from Australia and Finland. The agreement also facilitates business between Australia and Finland by removing the requirement for compulsory contributions to be paid into both countries' superannuation or pension systems for temporarily seconded workers.
Negotiations for a social security agreement between Australia and Poland have been finalised and the agreement is expected to be signed in 2009–10.
The Government did not proceed with the pilot program measure announced in the 2006–07 Budget. The pilot program sought to test the feasibility of matching Centrelink data with goods and services tax and business activity statement data from the Australian Taxation Office, to address payment risks associated with undeclared business income and assets. The measure has been terminated early as the pilot program results showed that the data matching was not cost effective.
A total of $2 million was made available in 2008–09 to fund respite brokerage costs (purchase of service provision for eligible clients) for older carers of children with disability. This funding covered an interim period up to August 2008 prior to finalising the transfer of responsibility to state and territory governments.
A one-off, lump sum, non-taxable bonus of $500 was paid to eligible seniors. The payment was made before the end of June 2008 at a cost of $1.4 billion.
This measure, proposed by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and approved in the 2008–09 Budget, abolished Temporary Protection Visa arrangements and resolved the status of existing Temporary Protection Visa and Temporary Humanitarian Visa holders. Under the new arrangements asylum seekers will be eligible to apply for a permanent protection visa, and if successful they will have immediate access to all relevant payments and benefits.
The Government decided not to proceed with this measure, which involved expanding the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card adjusted taxable income test to include gross income from superannuation income streams with a taxed source, including withdrawals, and income that has been salary sacrificed to superannuation. An additional measure was announced in the 2009–10 Budget to include reportable superannuation contributions, including income that is salary sacrificed to superannuation, in the adjusted taxable income test for the card.
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This measure also applies to Outcome 1. See page 68 for details on this measure.
An additional 37,500 places, comprising 31,000 in the Skill Stream and 6,500 in the Family Stream, have been made available in the Department of Immigration and Citizenship's 2008–09 non-humanitarian program on an ongoing basis. These migrants are subject to a waiting period, and will generally be precluded from accessing any income support for a period of two years for most payments, and 10 years in the case of the Age Pension and the Disability Support Pension. The additional places will have an impact on social security outlays, as these migrants can receive family assistance payments immediately on arrival to Australia to assist with work and family responsibilities.
This measure also applies to Outcome 3.
This measure is reported in Centrelink's Annual Report under Call Centre Performance.
This measure also applies to Outcome 3.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship announced an additional 500 offshore refugee visa places in the 2008–09 humanitarian program for the resettlement of Iraqi refugees. The places identified are for Iraqis currently living in Jordan and Syria who are unable to return to Iraq due to the current conflict. Permanent refugees entering Australia under the migration program are entitled to immediate access to all social security and family assistance payments.
This measure also applies to Outcome 3.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship announced an additional 750 offshore refugee visa places in the 2008–09 humanitarian program for the resettlement of Iraqi refugees to take effect from 2009–10. The places identified are for Iraqis currently living in Jordan and Syria who are unable to return to Iraq due to the current conflict. Permanent refugees entering Australia under the migration program are entitled to immediate access to all social security and family assistance payments.
This measure also applies to Outcome 3.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship announced 600 additional permanent refugee places in the 2007–08 migration program for Iraqi locally engaged employees. These places were offered to people in conflict situations who were at risk due to their involvement with the Australian Government overseas. Permanent refugees entering Australia under the migration program are entitled to immediate access to all social security and family assistance payments.
This measure also applies to Outcome 3.
This measure expanded the definition of income used to determine eligibility for some government support programs to include net financial investment losses, and net rental property losses where appropriate, with effect from 1 July 2009.
This measure also applies to Outcome 3.
This measure expanded the definition of income used to determine eligibility for some government support programs to include certain 'salary sacrificed' contributions to superannuation, with effect from 1 July 2009.
This measure also applies to Outcome 3.
Departmental funding was received to develop and implement the removal of differential treatment of same-sex couples and their children, in conjunction with Centrelink.
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This measure also applies to Outcomes 3 and 4.
The Supporting Local Communities measure assisted community organisations to provide homelessness and other services to their local communities. This includes community organisations in Lismore in New South Wales, and Gumdale in Queensland.
This measure also applies to Outcome 4.
This is an adjustment to the Veterans' Affairs 2008–09 Budget measure to restrict access to Service Pension for partners who are separated from, but still legally married to, a veteran. The adjustment excluded partners over Age Pension age from the measure, and therefore none of this group will instead receive FaHCSIA income support payments.
This is a further adjustment to the Veterans' Affairs 2008–09 Budget measure to restrict access to Service Pension for partners who are separated from, but still legally married to, a veteran. The adjustment reduced the number of former Veterans' Affairs payment recipients who claimed FaHCSIA Carer Payment and Disability Support Pension as a result of the measure.
This measure also applies to Outcomes 1, 3 and 4. See pages 70–71 for details on this measure.
The Economic Security Strategy announced in October 2008 included lump-sum payments for pensioners, seniors, carers and people with disability to provide immediate financial support in the lead up to comprehensive reform of the pension system.
A lump-sum payment of $1,400 (single) and $2,100 (couples combined) was paid in December 2008. Self-funded retirees with a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold Card holders who were eligible for the Seniors Concession Allowance also received the payment.
People receiving Carer Allowance received an additional $1,000 for each eligible person in their care.
The payment was made to more than four million people at a cost of $4.9 billion.
In 2008–09, funds were provided to FaHCSIA to develop a public information campaign to support the Economic Security Strategy (ESS) measures. The campaign was designed to inform audiences of the impact of these measures on their entitlements, rights and obligations.
FaHCSIA put in place two campaigns. The ESS Payments campaign provided messages about the ESS payments made during December 2008, and the First Home Owners Boost campaign provided messages about the eligibility requirements.
Evaluation research of the ESS Payments campaign indicated that the campaign improved awareness of individual details of the payments by between 10 and 50 per cent.
In the 2009–10 Budget, the Government announced the extension to the First Home Owners Boost to 31 December 2009.
This measure also applies to Outcomes 3 and 4.
A Training and Learning Bonus of $950 for each eligible student was paid to families eligible for Family Tax Benefit Part A on 3 February 2009, for each eligible child aged 19 to 24 in full-time study.
This measure also applies to Outcome 3.
Families eligible for Family Tax Benefit Part A on 3 February 2009 received a Back to School Bonus of $950 per child aged 4 to 18 years inclusive. The bonus was also payable to recipients of Disability Support Pension or Carer Payment aged 18 years or under.
This measure also applies to Outcome 3.
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