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Latest news archive Australian Government flood assistance passes $1 million [3 June 2009]More than $1 million in Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments have been made to people affected by the recent floods in South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. Drought Bus assists flood affected communities in NSW [29 May 2009]The Murray-Darling Basin Drought Bus has been diverted to Northern New South Wales to assist communities affected by the floods. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. Centrelink delivers first relief payments to flood victims [28 May 2009]Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, today said the first Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments have been made to people affected by floods in South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. Reminder to lodge tax return for Family Tax Benefit [27 May 2009]Families who receive Family Tax Benefit and have not lodged their 2007 - 08 financial year tax return are being reminded to lodge now to avoid unnecessary debts. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. Financial planning to ease pressure of the global recession [22 May 2009]Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, is encouraging families to use Financial Planning Week (25 - 31 May) as an opportunity to get their finances in order for the benefit of their relationships. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. Centrelink launches Speakfreely for faster staff IT support [20 May 2009]A new voice technology system to speed up internal telephone inquiries is adding to Centrelink’s efficiency, the Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, said today. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. Centrelink seminars to explain same-sex reforms [5 May 2009]Centrelink is holding a series of free community information seminars to explain changes to the way Centrelink will assess benefits for same-sex reforms. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] Continuing Government Support for Bushfire Survivors [4 May 2009]Centrelink is moving quickly to ensure Victorian bushfire survivors receiving the Income Recovery Subsidy will continue to be paid, the Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, said today. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] Centrelink develops new IT system to ward off hackers [28 April 2009]The innovative staff at Centrelink have developed a safer and more secure identity authentication system and are offering the design to the rest of the world online, for free. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] Bonuses still available to students enrolling late [24 April 2009]The Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, has today reassured full-time tertiary students who have enrolled late they will not miss out on the Learning and Training Bonus payment under the Australian Government’s Household Stimulus Package. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] Reminder to update family income estimate [21 April 2009]The Family Assistance Office has begun sending out more than 1.4 million letters to families this week to encourage them to update their income estimate for the 2009/10 financial year. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] Hobart Centrelink moves to new premises [20 April 2009]Centrelink Hobart is operating from new offices with better facilities for customers from today, Monday 20 April. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] Centrelink help for local redundancies [17 April 2009]Centrelink is making free on-site appointments available to Caterpillar workers affected by recent redundancy announcements. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] Centrelink Information Session for Retrenched Workers [17 April 2009]Centrelink will host a special information session this weekend in Gladstone for employees and contractors facing job losses due to the economic downturn and business closures. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] Retirees need to contact Centrelink on minimum draw-down [8 April 2009]Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, is encouraging Australians on a part-pension to tell Centrelink if they want to take advantage of Government changes to the amount they are required to withdraw from their superannuation. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] Centrelink Ready to Help Gladstone Rio Workers [8 April 2009]Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, and Federal Member for Flynn, Chris Trevor, are urging any retrenched Gladstone Rio Tinto workers and contractors to contact Centrelink as soon as possible to seek assistance with finding alternative work and to check their eligibility for income support payments. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] Exciting graduate careers available at Centrelink [7 April 2009]University graduates looking for a dynamic career that will open doors should take a closer look at one of Australia’s largest government agencies - Centrelink. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] Special arrangements for flood affected customers [1 April 2009]Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, today announced special arrangements for Centrelink customers affected by extensive flooding on the New South Wales mid-north coast. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] Better Government services for the Northern Peninsula [1 April 2009]Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, and Member for Leichhardt, Jim Turnour, today announced better access to Australian Government services for residents in the Northern Peninsula. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] New look Centrelink office opens in Thursday Island [31 March 2009]Residents on Thursday Island now have better access to Centrelink eServices, following a major refurbishment of the local Customer Service Centre. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] Declaring your same-sex relationship to Centrelink [30 March 2009]Same-sex couples receiving welfare payments can voluntarily declare their relationships to Centrelink from today (Monday 30 March), as the next step to equality for the gay and lesbian community begins. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] Minister visits new look Centrelink office at Palm Beach [26 March 2009]Residents in Palm Beach have better access to Centrelink eServices, following a major refurbishment of the local Customer Service Centre. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] Minister foreshadows tender process for new BasicsCard, as Govt flags industry consultation for payment delivery reform [25 March 2009]The Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, today announced the Government will call for tenders within the IT industry for a new BasicsCard - the card that is making the rollout of income management more efficient. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] Government launches 'Couples are Couples' same-sex information campaign [24 March 2009]Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, today launched a campaign to inform same-sex couples about important reforms that could impact on payments they receive from Centrelink. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] Better targeting and delivery of Family Tax Benefit [23 March 2009]Centrelink is sending letters to about 200,000 customers to inform families about changes to the way people can claim Family Tax Benefit. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] Minister thanks agencies for bushfire recovery effort [5 March 2009]Federal Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, was in Melbourne today to thank staff from the agencies in his Portfolio, for the key role they continue to play in the bushfire recovery effort. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] Local MP brings Minister to Tweed Heads [2 March 2009]Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, joined Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot, in Tweed Heads today to thank Centrelink staff for their hard work in delivering a number of government initiatives. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] Centrelink help for Drivetrain workers [26 February 2009]Centrelink in Albury-Wodonga will be working over this coming weekend to help those affected by the recent job cuts at Drivetrain Systems International, Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, has announced.. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] Switch to fortnightly Family Tax Benefit and receive Household Stimulus payments sooner [26 February 2009]Centrelink in Albury-Wodonga will be working over this coming weekend to help those affected by the recent job cuts at Drivetrain Systems International, Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, has announced. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] Pacific Brands job losses [25 February 2009]These are difficult times for many Australians. As we have seen in recent times, the Global Financial Crisis is starting to impact on the real economy and the labour market. For more information, refer to the Ministers' Media Centre at the Department of Education, Employment and Workpace Relations Media Release. [ return to top ] Immediate Employment Services to Support Retrenched Workers [24 February 2009]To support Australian workers during a global recession the Government today announced a $298.5 million additional investment in employment services in Australia. For more information, refer to the Ministers' Media Centre at the Department of Education, Employment and Workpace Relations Media Release. [ return to top ] Additional Employment Services and Training to respond to the Global Financial Crisis [24 February 2009]We are a resilient people. Our history shows that Australians can pull together in a crisis and come out stronger. For more information, refer to the Ministers' Media Centre at the Department of Education, Employment and Workpace Relations Media Release. [ return to top ] Financial support for students [24 February 2009]Human Services Minister, Senator Joe Ludwig, today encouraged students and their parents to check their eligibility for Centrelink support. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] Income management commences across the Kimberley [23 February 2009]Income management will be rolled-out across the remainder of the Kimberley including Kalumburu, Noonkanbah and Beagle Bay, as part of the Australian and Western Australian Governments' income management trial in Western Australia. For more information, refer to the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Media Release. [ return to top ] Counselling services to help families cope in aftermath of bushfires [20 February 2009]The Australian Government is providing additional counselling support services to Victorian bushfire survivors through a $200,000 boost to five community organisations. For more information, refer to the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Media Release. [ return to top ] New look Centrelink office opens in Gladstone [19 February 2009]Residents in Gladstone now have better access to Centrelink eServices, following a major refurbishment of the local Customer Service Centre. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] Beware of Household Stimulus Package email scam [19 February 2009]Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, today warned the Australian community to be on the lookout for a hoax email seeking personal information. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] $51 million help for businesses damaged or destroyed by bushfires [18 February 2009]The Commonwealth and the Victorian Governments are standing by businesses directly damaged or destroyed by the bushfires, with the $51 million first stage of a joint package to assist small businesses focusing on subsidised low-interest loans, business assistance grants and business re-start mentors. For more information, refer to the Prime Minister of Australia Media Release. [ return to top ] Australian Government Assistance for Flood Victims in NSW [18 February 2009]The Australian Government has today announced assistance measures for the people of Bourke and surrounding areas following extensive flooding in the region. For more information, refer to the Prime Minister of Australia Media Release. [ return to top ] Disaster Recovery Payments reach victims of fires and floods [17 February 2009]More than 25,000 victims of bushfires in Victoria and floods in Queensland have now received Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments worth over $20 million. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] Special Child Care Benefit for Families affected by Fire and Flood [16 February 2009]The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard will write to all child care services in Victoria and Queensland to remind them that Special Child Care Benefit is available for families that have been affected by the Victorian bushfires and Queensland floods. For more information, refer to the Ministers' Media Centre at the Department of Education, Employment and Workpace Relations Media Release. [ return to top ] Case managers to support Victorian families [13 February 2009]The Premier of Victoria, John Brumby, Federal Minister for Families and Community Services, Jenny Macklin, and Victorian Minister for Community Services, Lisa Neville, today announced a case manager would be assigned to each Victorian family affected by the bushfires. For more information, refer to the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Media Release. [ return to top ] $2 billion training program delivers for job seekers [13 February 2009]Job seekers continue to make the most of opportunities to upgrade their skills through the Productivity Places Program. For more information, refer to the Ministers' Media Centre at the Department of Education, Employment and Workpace Relations Media Release. [ return to top ] Welfare arrangements for job seekers affected by natural disasters [10 February 2009]The Rudd Government has amended welfare participation arrangements for job seekers in fire and flood affected areas. For more information, refer to the Ministers' Media Centre at the Department of Education, Employment and Workpace Relations Media Release. [ return to top ] Australian Government Bushfire Assistance [9 February 2009]More than 450 Australian Government personnel will be deployed to Victoria over the coming days to provide emergency services, logistical support and counselling to the hundreds of people who have lost family, friends and property in the devastating fires. For more information, refer to the Prime Minister of Australia Media Release. [ return to top ] North Queensland Floods [9 February 2009]Flooding in North Queensland continues to overwhelm communities such as Ingham, where more than 3,000 homes have been affected. For more information, refer to the Prime Minister of Australia Media Release. [ return to top ] Australian Government Assistance for Victorian Bushfires [8 February 2009]The Victorian fires have been extremely devastating and this is an extraordinary natural disaster with high loss of life and property. For more information, refer to the Prime Minister of Australia Media Release. [ return to top ] Assistance for North Queensland Floods [7 February 2009]The Rudd Government today announced additional assistance to residents in Far North and Northern Queensland seriously affected by the floods. For more information, refer to the Prime Minister of Australia Media Release. [ return to top ] Career Information Service ready to help students [5 February 2009]The Rudd Government today announced additional assistance to residents in Far North and Northern Queensland seriously affected by the floods. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] More Australians using disability employment services [3 February 2009]More Australians with disabilities are using Australian Government employment services according to new figures contained in the Australian Government Disability Services Census 2007 report. For more information, refer to the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Media Release. [ return to top ] $950 One-off Cash Bonus to Support Jobs [3 February 2009]The Rudd Government today announced five key $950 one-off payments for low and middle income households and individuals. For more information, refer to the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Media Release. [ return to top ] School attendance measure begins in NT [28 January 2009]A new approach to encourage parental responsibility and boost school enrolment and attendance begins today in the Northern Territory. For more information, refer to the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Media Release. [ return to top ] Major operation helps students back to school [23 January 2009]By air, sea and land, Centrelink is helping hundreds of Indigenous students return to schools throughout Queensland to resume their studies for 2009. For more information, refer to the Minister for Human Services Media Release. [ return to top ] Government further reduces deeming rate [17 January 2009]The Australian Government will further reduce the upper deeming rate from 5% to 4% from 26 January 2009. For more information, refer to the Minister for Housing and for the Status of Women Media Release. [ return to top ] Income management starts in Balgo and Halls Creek [12 January 2009]Income management will commence in Halls Creek, Balgo and surrounding communities on 12 January 2009. For more information, refer to the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Media Release. [ return to top ] Australian Government eases pressure on pensioners [9 January 2009]Australia's age pensioners have received a total of $2.5 billion through Economic Security Strategy payments as part of the Australian Government's response to the global financial crisis. For more information, refer to the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Media Release. [ return to top ] Did you find what you were looking for? You can also try the A-Z list, quick links, search, site help, we speak your language or send us feedback on how to make this a better website. |