6 September 2010

Senator for NSW, Ursula Stephens, today said that pensioners across Hume will soon benefit from a boost to their pensions.

Due to indexation, around four million Australians will receive an increase in their pensions and other income support payments from 20 September 2010.

Pension payments will increase by $15.00 per fortnight for singles on the maximum rate, and $22.60 per fortnight for couples combined on the maximum rate.

Following these increases, total pension payments for those on the maximum rate, including the base rate and pension supplement, will be:

• $716.10 per fortnight for singles


• $1079.60 per fortnight for couples combined

Pensioners have received increases of around $115 per fortnight for singles and $97 per fortnight for couples combined in pension payments, as a result of Federal Labor’s major pension reforms delivered in September 2009, and higher indexation in March and September 2010.

During our first term, the Federal Labor Government overhauled the pension to make it adequate and sustainable for the millions of age and disability, carers and veterans who depend on it.

Senator Stephens said that the indexation process continues the government’s commitment to help pensioners meet cost of living pressures.

The September pension rise was driven by movement in the pensioner and beneficiary living cost index in the six months to June 2010.

Pensions are indexed twice a year to the highest increase of three measures: the consumer price index (CPI), the pensioner and beneficiary living cost index (PBLCI), and growth in male total average weekly earnings (MTAWE).

The pensioner living cost index was introduced as an additional indexation mechanism as part of the 2009 pension reforms, and takes into account a basket of goods pensioners buy to better help maintain pensioners’ purchasing power.

Federal Labor’s pension reforms increased the effective benchmark for singles from 25 per cent to 27.7 per cent of MTAWE.

People eligible for the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension (adult rate), Carer Payment, veteran income support payments, Wife Pension, Widow B Pension and Bereavement Allowance will all benefit from the increases.

Parenting Payment and Rent Assistance will also increase on 20 September.

Adult rates of allowances, such as Newstart, and supplementary payments are also indexed on 20 September each year to the CPI increase for the previous six months. Allowance rates for single people (21 or over, without children) will increase by $6.90 per fortnight.

These increases in payments will be accompanied by an increase in the income and assets cut out amounts. This will see an increase in the amount of income, from for example employment or investments, or the total value of assets, a person can have before their benefit is cancelled.

Full details of all indexation amounts are available at www.fahcsia.gov.au

Media inquiries: Senator Stephens office – 02 6277 3333

19 August 2010

Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Senator Ursula Stephens, and Federal Candidate for Throsby, Stephen Jones today met with local Golden Gurus at Volunteering Wingecarribee.

Golden Gurus is a 2020 Summit initiative implemented by the Federal Labor Government.

The program brings together a diverse range of quality organisations which link the experience and expertise of mature age people over 50 years of age with community organisations and start-up businesses.

Volunteering Wingecarribee is one of forty organisations across Australia that currently delivers the Golden Gurus program.

“Golden Gurus is a great program that draws on the wealth of experience of our mature aged Australians and invests this wisdom in the future of our small businesses and community organisations,” said Senator Stephens.

“Volunteering Wingecarribee was one of the first organisations to get on board the Golden Gurus program and I congratulate them for immediately seeing the benefit of this program to their local community.”

“I also congratulate them for recently being awarded $1 550 under the Australian Government’s Volunteer Grants 2010.

“This funding will help Volunteering Wingecarribee to purchase computer equipment and software that will enable it to link even more potential volunteers to volunteering opportunities.”

Additional funding will be available to Golden Gurus organisations under Federal Labor’s $500 000 investment in the program.

Grants of $10 000 will go to 50 Golden Guru organisations to help them broker new opportunities for their Golden Gurus and to prepare them for these roles.

“I fully support Volunteering Wingecarribee’s application for one of these Golden Guru grants,” said Mr Jones.

“Volunteering Wingecarribee’s mission statement is ‘Inspiring volunteering in the Highlands’ and it’s clear to everyone in our local community that they are delivering on this mission.

“The organisation provides an invaluable service in encouraging potential volunteers to get involved, supporting those currently volunteering and taking on new initiatives of benefit to the local community, such as the Golden Gurus program,” said Mr Jones.

For more information on the Golden Gurus program, go to www.deewr.gov.au/goldengurus.

18 August 2010

Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Senator Ursula Stephens, and Federal Member for Page, Janelle Saffin, today met with the Northern Rivers Social Development Council in Lismore.

The Social Development Council is a community-based not profit organisation that promotes fairness and social inclusion in the Northern Rivers region.

At the meeting Senator Stephens responded to issues raised in the Council’s Federal Election Priorities document, including assistance to disadvantaged communities, increased investment in social and affordable housing, and more support to the community sector.

Senator Stephens spoke about the Federal Labor Government’s focus on targeting assistance to areas of particular need, such as through the Local Employment Coordinator scheme.

She praised the efforts of Lismore’s Local Employment Coordinator, Mr Terry Watson, in working with local stakeholders to help match local businesses and workers with job opportunities created by the Government’s Economic Stimulus Package.

Senator Stephens also explained that the Prime Minister’s Building Better Regional Cities announcement offers Lismore Council the opportunity to apply for up to $15 million to invest in local infrastructure projects that will support new housing developments, thereby increasing the supply of affordable homes in the region. This is in addition to the 59 dwellings delivered to date under the National Rental Affordability Scheme.

Senator Stephens also outlined Federal Labor’s plans for streamlining regulations and red tape in the non profit sector to free up community organisations to focus less on administration and more on their important work helping those in need.

Federal Member for Page, Janelle Saffin, said that the Northern Rivers Social Development Council plays a vital role in the community, advocating for the interests of those suffering disadvantage and strengthening the community organisations that serve them.

“It is good to see the Northern Rivers Social Development Council standing up for the interests of those people in need in our community.

“Working for fairer and more inclusive communities is a goal that both the Council and Federal Labor share, and it’s clear from Senator Stephens’ presentation today that the Government has made significant investment in our Social Inclusion Agenda,” Ms Saffin said.

18 August 2010

Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Senator Ursula Stephens, and Federal Member for Page, Janelle Saffin, today met with Neighbourhood Centres across the Far North Coast region to discuss this year’s Social Inclusion Week.

Neighbourhood Centre leaders from Lismore, South Grafton, Casino, Nimbin, Mullumbimby and Pottsville gathered with Senator Stephens and Ms Saffin to discuss their plans for celebrating Social Inclusion Week 2010.

The first Social Inclusion Week was held last year and was the brain child of Jonathan Welch, best known for establishing the Choir of Hope and Inspiration (formerly the Choir of Hard Knocks).

The Australian Government and the Brotherhood of St Laurence were major sponsors of the inaugural Social Inclusion Week.

The objective of the Week is to bring about more inclusive communities through taking practical steps to fight loneliness and isolation by bringing people together.

Last year’s week was a great success with a wide diversity of events held across Australia – from sausage sizzles to jazz sessions, from cricket matches to market stalls, and even roller-skating displays.

The focus of each event was on bringing people together, particularly those who are traditionally isolated from the rest of the community such as people living with a mental illness, those who are homeless and people with a disability.

“Neighbourhood Centres are a touchstone for finding out about local services and getting involved in the community,” said Senator Stephens.

“From the ideas that the Centre leaders have been discussing today, it’s clear that Social Inclusion 2010 is going to be even better than last year.”

Member for Page, Janelle Saffin, acknowledged the invaluable role that Neighbourhood Centres play in the Far North Coast and hinterland region and congratulated them on their proactive role in preparing for Social Inclusion Week 2010.

“Social Inclusion Week is a great time for showcasing the strong community spirit that we have here in the Far North Coast and hinterland.

“I’ve told the Centres that I’m happy to help out with their celebrations in any way, and I encourage all local community members to get involved too – whether it be through participating in an event or running one,” said Ms Saffin.

For more information about Social Inclusion Week 2010, go to http://socialinclusionweek.ning.com/

12 August 2010

Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Senator Ursula Stephens and Member for Eden-Monaro, Mike Kelly today met with players and volunteers at the Queanbeyan Tigers Junior Australian Football Club to celebrate them receiving a grant under the Federal Labor Government’s Volunteer Grants 2010.

Throughout the electorate of Eden-Monaro, from Queanbeyan across to Batemans Bay and down to Eden, 92 community organisations have received over $300 000 worth of grants of between $1000 and $5000.

The grants are to help organisations buy small equipment items that will benefit their volunteers or help them cover the costs of petrol, training or background checks such as working with children checks.

Queanbeyan Tigers Junior Australian Football Club has been awarded $4 955 of these grants to help them purchase a vacuum cleaner, fridge, freezer and bain-marie.

The Club is a volunteer-run junior sports club that provides a safe and supportive environment for young people to develop physical and social skills as they play Aussie Rules football. 

Senator Stephens said that the club was a great example of how volunteering and sport help knit communities together.

“Volunteering helps build strong ties in our communities by bringing people together from different walks of life to work towards a common goal.

“Sport in particular can help break down barriers between people.

“The AFL nationally has a proud history of using sport to build more inclusive communities, and the Tigers are a great local demonstration of this,” said Senator Stephens.

The Member for Eden-Monaro, Mike Kelly, said that it was great to see so many local community organisations being rewarded with Volunteer Grants.

“Our volunteers are at the heart and soul of our local communities.

“From the Batemans Bay Scouts and Bega Valley Meals on Wheels, to Quaama Volunteer Bushfire Brigade and Eden Mens Shed, our volunteers contribute to our community in so many invaluable ways.

“These grants are a way for the Australian Government to say thank you to these unsung helping heroes who keep our local communities alive,” said Mr Kelly.

12 August 2010

Senator Ursula Stephens, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, together with the Labor Candidate for Gilmore, Neil Reilly, today met with the Dunn and Lewis Foundation to see the amazing progress made on the Memorial Entertainment Youth Centre at Ulladulla and hear about the project’s next steps.

The Dunn and Lewis Complex, dedicated to two local youths, Craig Dunn and Danny Lewis who lost their lives during the 2002 Bali bombings, will be the largest youth recreation, education and sporting complex in Ulladulla.

The Federal Labor Government provided $4 million to the Foundation under the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program to complete the construction of the complex in May 2009. Importantly, the Federal Labor Government also ensured that the Foundation received Deductible Gift Register (DGR) status so that donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Construction of Stage One of the centre has now commenced and will shortly be open for the young people of the area. It will include a bowling alley, kiosk, conference room and large community area.  The bowling alley will be commercially run and profits will be returned to the running of the centre.

“It has been terrific to have the opportunity today to see how far the project has come. The Foundation has turned their vision to reality.  The Centre will provide a safe and inclusive place for young people as well as link them to the support they need to enrich their personal and vocational wellbeing.

“I also acknowledge the work of the many volunteers who have contributed in large and small ways from fundraising, to working with young people on the centre’s design and providing support for the construction of this centre,” Senator Stephens said.

“This project is inspirational and is the result of tireless efforts of the victims’ families and people in the local community. The community should be very proud of what it has achieved,” Neil Reilly said.

“The funding provided by the Federal Labor Government for this project is critical to our local economy and creating jobs in construction.

“It is a demonstration of Federal Labor’s commitment to building a strong national economy, in contrast to Tony Abbott’s failure to understand the economy and make the necessary investments to ensure our nation prospers.”

12 August 2010

Mission Australia is providing much needed support to grandparents who have become the primary carers for their grandchildren.

Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Senator Ursula Stephens, and Federal Candidate for Gilmore, Neil Reilly today visited some of the grandparents at Mission Australia’s Custodial Grandparents support group.

The group provides support and advice to grandparents as they manage the often complex issues that contribute to the need for their grandchildren to be in their care.

The Australian Government is investing over $66 000 in the program this financial year.

“Research shows that more and more grandparents are raising children who are not their own and that this is growing area of out-of-home care both in Australia and internationally.

“Suddenly finding oneself the primary carer of a grandchild can be an overwhelming experience, especially if there have been troubling events that have led to this outcome.

“Grandparents can experience difficulty accessing family support services and meeting the expenses of an unexpected dependent can then severely stretch personal finances.

“This project is about providing the understanding and advice that grandparents need to manage the challenges of raising a young child, as well as handling the circumstances that have prevented the child from living with their parents,” said Senator Stephens.

Federal Candidate for Gilmore, Neil Reilly, commended Mission Australia on helping to keep families together in the face of very difficult circumstances.

“In times of family crisis, children clearly want to be with family members rather than placed in other forms of care.

“Mission Australia’s work supports grandparents to keep family members together whilst children are raised in a safe environment.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the grandparents whose courage and personal sacrifice generates such benefits for the children involved,” Mr Reilly said.

12 August 2010

Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Senator Ursula Stephens, and Federal Candidate for Gilmore, Neil Reilly today met with young parents and their children participating in the Supporting Young Parents Project.

Supporting Young Parents is an initiative of the Southern Youth and Family Services Association and is funded by the Australian Government, receiving $184 500 in funding for this financial year under the Community Investment Program.

The project’s objective is to improve the health, wellbeing, resilience and self-reliance of young parents and their children. A variety of activities are included in the program focusing on social, parenting, relationship and teaching skills.

Senator Stephens said that there is conclusive evidence that the early years of childhood are of vital significance to a child’s development.

“The development that takes place in the first few years of life is critically important and is strongly influenced by a child’s experience within their family and community.

“That’s why we are investing in programs such as the Supporting Young Parents project, which helps parents to ensure their child has the best possible start in life.

“As part of the National Early Development Strategy, the Federal Labor Government is investing $4.4 billion over five years towards new initiatives like this one that directly improve the life opportunities of children,” Senator Stephens said.

Federal Candidate for Gilmore, Neil Reilly, said that the Southern Youth and Family Services Association is a great benefit to the local community, delivering a number of other services that help those in need.

“The Association also delivers mental health support, housing and homelessness prevention programs and helps young people transition into independent living arrangements.

“I commend CEO Narelle Clay and her hard working staff for their enormous contribution to making sure everyone in our community has the support they need to overcome the challenges they face in their lives,” said Mr Reilly.

12 August 2010

Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Senator Ursula Stephens, and Federal Candidate for Gilmore, Neil Reilly today met with recipients of Volunteer Grants 2010.

72 community organisations in the electorate of Gilmore spanning the southern Illawarra and the Shoalhaven region have received over $230 000 worth of volunteer grants.

Volunteer grant recipients gathered at Nowra Showground Pavilion to share in a celebration morning tea with Senator Stephens and Mr Reilly.

“These local volunteers and the organisations for which they work showcase the wonderful diversity of volunteering,” said Senator Stephens.

“From the Mid South Coast Amateur Radio Club to Shoalhaven Shufflers, and from the Illaroo Road Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade to the Huskisson Vincentia and Districts Meals on Wheels Service, it’s clear that volunteers contribute to our community in every possible way.”

Senator Stephens said that the Volunteer Grants program is one way in which the Australian Government recognises the enormous value of our nation’s almost 5 million volunteers.

Volunteer Grants provide small grants of between $1 000 and $5 000 for community organisations to purchase small equipment items for their volunteers and to cover the costs of petrol.

The Federal Labor Government expanded the grants this year to enable community organisations to also apply for grants to help with the costs associated with training and meeting background check requirements of volunteers.

Federal Candidate for Gilmore, Neil Reilly said that it was very encouraging to see so many community organisations in the Shoalhaven and Illawarra region being recognised with these grants.

“Our region is defined by its strong sense of community and this is in large part due to the hard work and dedication of our volunteers.

“Today’s morning tea has been an important occasion for saying ‘thank you’ to not only the volunteer grant recipients, but to all of our local helping heroes who make the Shoalhaven and region such a great place to live,” said Mr Reilly.

11 August 2010

Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary, Sector Senator Ursula Stephens, Candidate for Gilmore Neil Reilly and Candidate for Throsby Stephen Jones today participated in a Social Policy Forum hosted by the Illawarra Forum.

The Illawarra Forum is a peak body working for community services and organisations in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.

The Social Policy Forum discussed issues raised in the Illawarra Forum’s recently released report entitled Practising Social Justice: Measuring What Matters. This report is the result of a three year Australian Research Council funded project undertaken in partnership between the University of Sydney, University of Western Sydney and the Illawarra Forum.

The Social Policy Forum also heard from Senator Stephens on the Federal Labor Government’s Social Inclusion Agenda, which is about ensuring all Australians have the opportunity and capability to learn, work, engage in the community and have their voice heard.

“Social inclusion is about targeting assistance to people and areas in most need, and coordinating service delivery so that we ‘wrap’ services around the individual in the place where they live and work so they can meet their full potential,” Senator Stephens said.

Senator Stephens also spoke about the Federal Labor Government’s National Compact with the Not-for-profit Sector – working together. Signed in March this year, the Compact is a partnership agreement between the Australian Government and the not-for-profit sector and sets out how we want to work together to achieve our shared vision of an inclusive, prosperous and fairer Australia.

Senator Stephens said that there were some strong similarities in the themes raised in the Illawarra Forum report and those of the Compact, and encouraged community organisations attending the Forum to find out more at the compact website – www.nationalcompact.gov.au.

Candidate for Gilmore, Neil Reilly, said that the Compact demonstrates the Gillard Labor Government’s commitment to supporting and acknowledging the invaluable work of the community sector.

“This is in stark contrast to the Coalition, which is yet to make any policy announcements relating to this vitally important sector,” Mr Reilly said.

Candidate for Throsby, Stephen Jones, congratulated the Illawarra Forum on supporting local community organisations and advocating for social justice.

“The Illawarra Forum provides an invaluable service to community organisations and social services here in the Illawarra.

“Today’s event is just one example of how the Forum works in our community to speak out for those in need and help strengthen the ties between us,” Mr Jones said.