ABN: 76 002 708 714 102/55 Holt Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
P] 02 9211 5300 F] 02 9211 5268 TF] 1800 226 028 TTY] 02 9211 0238
Welfare Rights Centre is a member of the National Association of Community Legal Centres™
Media Release
9 February 2010
Government funding for independent information
about Social Security hits the spot
The Welfare Rights Centre has welcomed today’s announcement by Jenny
Macklin, the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous
Affairs, of a grant of $65,000 to hep the Centre to publish a vital resource for
pensioners, unemployed people and families with Social Security questions or
problems.
“There is growing, unmet need for the provision of an independent source of
practical advice and information about Social Security and Family Assistance
Legislation. By providing this support to the Online Independent Social Security
Handbook, the Government is helping to address the gap”, said Maree
O’Halloran, Director of the Welfare Rights Centre.
“Over six and a half million Australians receive some type of assistance from
Centrelink. Unfortunately, too many people experience difficulties in
understanding complex Social Security rules. When problems arise they can have
major consequences for individuals and families. Such consequences can include
eviction, bankruptcy or even homelessness.
“The Online Independent Social Security Handbook is now established as a major
resource for community, welfare and Legal Aid workers in Australia. Recent
reports from community organisations about how their client’s are doing it tough
as a result of the global financial crisis. This Federal Government assistance will
help ensure the continued viability of the Online Handbook and help to build
community capacity. This partnership with the Welfare Rights Centre is a
welcome and positive development.”
The Welfare Rights Centre is part of the National Welfare Rights Network.
For comment: Maree O’Halloran, Director, Welfare Rights Centre: 0417 672 104
or Gerard Thomas, Policy and Media Officer: 0425 296 882.
NEWS 
