FaHCSIA's key strategy under Outcome 4 is the payment of the Age Pension and supplements to those senior Australians who are unable to fully support themselves. Around four out of five Australians of Age Pension age receive Age Pension or some other income support. The main drivers of Age Pension expenditure are demographic change, economic conditions (such as inflation and wages growth) and the impact of policy initiatives.
Certain policy initiatives introduced as part of the pension reforms of 2009 are driving significant changes to the Age Pension. The changes included an increase to pension rates, a new pension supplement, and improved indexation and wage benchmarking arrangements. Since September 2009, the maximum pension has increased by $128 a fortnight for single people and $116 a fortnight for couples combined.
From 1 July 2010, pensioners have had more flexibility in the way they receive their payments, with improvements being made to pension advance payments and the option to be paid part of the pension supplement on a quarterly basis.
Many senior Australians have the capacity to re-enter or stay connected to the workforce. Those who work past pension age can benefit from the Work Bonus, which provides concessional treatment for employment income under the pension income test. The Government has committed to enhancing the Work Bonus arrangements for age pensioners, from 1 July 2011, subject to the passage of legislation. The gradual increase in the pension age from 65 to 67 years, starting from 1 July 2017, recognises that Australians have the capacity to have longer working lives, and will help ensure the Age Pension remains sustainable into the future.
The Government continues to assist senior Australians through the provision of concession cards, including the Pensioner Concession Card, the Health Care Card and the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. These cards provide cardholders with access to Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme prescription items and a lower Extended Medicare safety net threshold.
Seniors are also able to access the Financial Information Service provided by Centrelink. The service provides free financial information to assist people to make informed decisions about their financial arrangements.
The Broadband for Seniors initiative is being continued in this Budget. The initiative maintains a network of 2,000 Internet kiosks in locations frequented by seniors to help seniors get online and stay connected with families, friends and community activities.
The Government contributes some funding towards selected state-based concessions through the COAG National Partnership on Certain Concessions for Pensioners and Seniors Card holders. The arrangement contributes funds towards certain specified concessions that the states must provide to Pensioner Concession Card holders without discrimination. It also funds for the states to provide public transport concessions to out-of-state Seniors Card holders.
Outcome 4 expense statement
Table 2.4 provides an overview of the total expenses for Outcome 4, by program.
Table 2.4: Budgeted expenses for Outcome 4
Contributions to Outcome 4
Program 4.1: Income Support for Seniors
|
Program 4.1 objective
To make payments to senior Australians to assist them financially in a manner that encourages them to productively manage resources and life transitions.
Program component objectives
Age Pension
To make payments to senior Australians to assist them financially in a manner that encourages them to productively manage resources and life transitions.
Widow B Pension
To make payments to widowed, divorced and separated women to assist them financially. (This payment was closed to new entrants from 20 March 1997.)
Wife Pension (Age)
To make payments to female partners of Age Pension recipients, where those partners are not eligible in their own right for Age Pension, to assist them financially. (This payment was closed to new entrants from 1 July 1995.)
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Linked to: Personal benefits payments under this program are delivered by Centrelink (from 1 July DHS) and by DVA. For more information refer to each agency’s 2011–12 PB Statements.
|
Program 4.1 expenses
The variations in program expenses across the forward years reflects projected changes in the economy, customer trends, indexation parameters and the impact of policy initiatives.
The Widow B Pension and Wife Pension (Age) programs are closed payments with no new claimants.
|
Table 2.4.1: Budgeted expenses for Income Support for Seniors
Program 4.1 deliverables
• Payments are made through Centrelink to eligible claimants under the provisions of social security law.
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Program 4.1 key performance indicators
Age Pension
• Number of recipients
• Administered outlays
• Percentage and number of recipients on part rate due to the means test
• Ratio of assessed income of pensioners to their total income
• Percentage and number of senior Australians who receive payment
• Percentage and number of recipients with employment income
• Percentage and number of new entrants with employment income
• Payment accuracy
• Agreements are in place with all service delivery agencies
• Strategies are in place to ensure that the requirements are fulfilled under agreements with providers
Widow B Pension
• Number of recipients
• Administered outlays
• Percentage and number of recipients on part rate due to the means test
Wife Pension (Age)
• Number of recipients
• Administered outlays
• Percentage and number of recipients on part rate due to the means test
• Ratio of current number of Wife Pension (Age) recipients to the number of Wife Pension (Age) recipients at 1 July 1995
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Program 4.2: Allowances, Concessions and Services for Seniors
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Program 4.2 objective
To make payments and provide services to senior Australians to assist with household expenses, enabling them to maintain their standard of living and increase access to information and community resources.
Program component objectives
Seniors Supplement
To make payments to senior Australians to assist with household and other living expenses.
Broadband for Seniors
To maintain a network of 2,000 Internet kiosks in locations frequented by seniors to help seniors get online and stay connected with families, friends and community activities.
|
Linked to: Personal benefits payments under this program are delivered by DVA and, from 1 July, by DHS. For more information refer to each agency’s 2011–12 PB Statements.
|
Program 4.2 expenses
The increase in program expenses across the forward years reflects projected changes in the customer trends and indexation parameters for the Seniors Supplement.
Under the Australian Government’s Digital Economy Strategy, the Broadband for Seniors initiative will receive $10.4 million over four years from 2011–12 to 2014–15 to maintain 2,000 free internet kiosks for seniors across Australia. This follows the set-up phase of $15 million over three years from 2008–09 to 2010–11.
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Table 2.4.2: Budgeted expenses for Allowances, Concessions and Services for Seniors
Program 4.2 deliverables
Payments
• Payments are made through Centrelink to eligible claimants under the provisions of social security law.
Broadband for Seniors
• Percentage of senior Internet users who have participated in training
|
Allowances, Concessions and Services for Seniors deliverables targets
Program 4.2 key performance indicators
Seniors Supplement
• Number of recipients
• Administered outlays
Broadband for Seniors
• Percentage of seniors reporting improved skills and confidence in using the Internet
• Number of seniors using Internet kiosks
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Outcome 5: Disability and Carers
An adequate standard of living, improved capacity to participate economically and socially and manage life-transitions for people with disability and/or mental illness and carers through payments, concessions, support and care services.
| Outcome 5 strategy
Outcome 5 encompasses the provision of income support payments and support services to people with disability and their carers. Payments include the Disability Support Pension, Carer Allowance and Carer Payment.
Community-based mental health services seek to improve the capacity of individuals, families and carers affected by mental illness to participate in work and the community. The 2011–12 Budget provides a major funding boost to these services – including Personal Helpers and Mentors, Mental Health Respite and Family Mental Health Support Services – in recognition of the important support these services provide to people with mental illness, their families and carers.
The Government provides ongoing support to carers of both adults and children through the provision of the Carer Payment and Carer Allowance. In addition, the annual $600 Carer Supplement may be available to recipients of Carer Allowance for each person being cared for, and an additional $600 to those in receipt of Carer Payment or eligible income support payment. Carers of children under 16 years of age receiving Carer Allowance also receive the annual $1,000 Child Disability Assistance Payment for each eligible child care receiver. Carer Adjustment Payment was introduced in 2007. It is an ex-gratia payment for carers of children aged zero to six years with disability in particular circumstances.
Special Disability Trusts were introduced in 2006 to assist family members who have the financial means to do so, to make private financial provision for the current and future care and accommodation needs of their family member with severe disability.
Disability Support Pension is an income support payment for people who are unable to adequately support themselves through work due to a permanent physical, intellectual or psychiatric impairment.
As part of the Building Australia’s Future Workforce package, measures announced in this Budget are aimed at improving support for Australians with disability to help them into work where possible, while continuing to provide an essential safety net for Australians who are unable to work to fully support themselves.
From 1 July 2012 Disability Support Pension recipients under age 35 with the capacity to work eight or more hours a week will be required to attend regular participation interviews with Centrelink to develop participation plans, tailored to their individual circumstances. Depending on people’s individual circumstances, participation plans could involve working with employment services to improve job readiness, searching for employment, undertaking training, volunteering or rehabilitation.
From 1 July 2012, Disability Support Pension recipients granted on or after 11 May 2005 will be able to work up to 30 hours a week continuously for up to two years without their payment being cancelled or suspended. They will be able to receive a part pension while they work, subject to income-testing arrangements. This will allow them to test whether they can work more hours without fear of losing their pension.
The start of a key component of the measure Job Capacity Assessment – more accurate and efficient assessments for DSP and employment services announced in the 2010–11 Budget is being brought forward from 1 January 2012 to 3 September 2011. This will help ensure assessments for the Disability Support Pension support people with disability into employment.
From 1 July 2012 the medical and allied health professionals in the Centrelink Health Professional Advice Unit will audit a sample of Disability Support Pension new claim assessments to test whether Job Capacity Assessors and Centrelink Customer Service Advisers are interpreting and applying the evidence and the rules consistently, and whether there are deficiencies in the process. This will help to improve the quality of assessments.
From 1 July 2012, people receiving Disability Support Pension who have a permanent disability and no future work capacity, will be able to travel overseas for more than 13 weeks while retaining access to their pension. In addition, Disability Support Pension recipients who are severely disabled and are required to accompany a family member who has been posted overseas by their Australian employer will be entitled to continue to receive their pension for the period of the family member’s posting.
The 2011–12 Budget commits additional funding to Australian Disability Enterprises. This measure recognises the value of long-term investment in programs that provide support and dignity to the most vulnerable members of the community. It will provide future certainty for those Australians, and assist them to maintain their participation in society.
The National Disability Strategy was endorsed by COAG in February 2011 and launched in March 2011. The Productivity Commission has provided a draft report on its inquiry into a national long-term care and support scheme for people with disability. The Commission is due to provide its final report to the Government by the end of July 2011.
Reform of the disability services sector is continuing, and FaHCSIA is working closely with state and territory governments on 10 key priority areas under the National Disability Agreement. The National Disability Strategy sets out a 10-year reform plan for all governments to address the barriers faced by Australians with disability and will ensure that mainstream services and programs including health care, housing, transport and education address the needs of people with disability.
The Government has allocated $60 million over three years to build innovative, community-based supported accommodation places for people with disability. This funding will go towards addressing the shortfall in supported accommodation places and respite for people with disability and their carers and families.
The Better Start for Children with Disability initiative funded in this Budget provides funding for early intervention services for children with a broader range of disabilities. This initiative will help reduce the financial burden on parents and carers of children with disability and make vital early intervention services more affordable and accessible.
An additional $28.7 million over two years is also being provided to meet demand in the successful Helping Children with Autism program.
Outcome 5 expense statement
Table 2.5 provides an overview of the total expenses for Outcome 5, by program.
Table 2.5: Budgeted expenses for Outcome 5
(continued on next page)
Table 2.5: Budgeted expenses for Outcome 5 (continued)
Contributions to Outcome 5
Program 5.1: Targeted Community Care
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Program 5.1 objective
To implement community mental health initiatives to assist people with mental illness and their families and carers.
Program component objectives
Mental Health
To implement community mental health initiatives to assist people with mental illness and their families and carers to manage the impact of mental illness.
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Program 5.1 expenses
The increase in program expenses across the forward years reflects the expansion of community mental health initiatives to assist people with severe mental illness and their families and carers.
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Table 2.5.1: Budgeted expenses for Targeted Community Care
Program 5.1 deliverables
Mental Health
• Number of clients, carers or family members whose lives are affected by mental illness accessing support services
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Mental Health deliverables targets
Program 5.1 key performance indicators
Mental Health
• Percentage and number of registered participants maintaining progress against relevant goals25
• Percentage and number of clients who report that they are satisfied that the service they received was appropriate to their needs
• Percentage and number of clients from Indigenous backgrounds
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Percentage and number of clients from and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
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Mental Health key performance indicators targets
Program 5.2: Disability Support Pension
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Program 5.2 objective
To make payments to eligible people with disability who are unable to support themselves to achieve financial independence.
Program 5.2 has no program components.
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Linked to: For further information on this program, refer to the DHS 2011-12 PB Statements.
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Program 5.2 expenses
The increase in program expenses across the forward years reflects projected changes in the economy, customer trends, indexation parameters and the impact of policy initiatives.
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Table 2.5.2: Budgeted expenses for Disability Support Pension
Program 5.2 deliverables
• Payments are made through Centrelink to eligible claimants under the provisions of social security law.
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Program 5.2 key performance indicators
Disability Support Pension (DSP)
• Duration on payment
• Percentage and number of recipients reporting employment income
• Percentage and number of recipients on part rate due to the income and
assets test26
• Number of recipients
• Administered outlays
• Payment accuracy
• Agreements are in place with all service delivery agencies
• Agreements are in place to ensure that requirements are fulfilled under agreements with service delivery agencies
• Percentage and number of estimated population of people with disability
who receive payment27
• Percentage and number of DSP population as proportion of the total Australian working-age population28
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Program 5.3: Income Support for Carers
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Program 5.3 objective
To make payments and allowances to financially assist eligible carers of people with disability or a severe medical condition or of people who are frail aged.
Program component objectives
Carer Payment
To make payments to financially assist carers whose caring responsibilities for people with disability, frailty because of age or a severe medical condition severely restrict their ability to undertake paid employment.
Carer Allowance (Adult)
To make payments to financially assist carers who provide daily care and attention in a private home to a person with a disability or severe medical condition.
Carer Allowance (Child)
To make payments to financially assist carers who provide daily care and attention in a private home to a child under 16 years with disability or severe medical condition.
Carer Supplement
To make payments annually to eligible carers to provide additional financial security and alleviate financial pressures.
Child Disability Assistance Payment
To make payments annually to Carer Allowance (Child) recipients to help them purchase appropriate assistance for their family.
Carer Adjustment Payment – Ex gratia payments to unsuccessful applicants of Carer Payment (Child)
To make one off payments to families not eligible for income support where, following a catastrophic event involving a child aged 0 to 6 years, the family is going through a period of significant adjustment as a result of the care needs of the child.
Wife Pension (DSP)
To make payments to female partners of DSP recipients to assist them financially. This payment was closed to new entrants from 1 July 1995.
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Linked to: As of 1 July Personal benefits payments under this program will be delivered by DHS.
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Program 5.3 expenses
The increase in program expenses across the forward years reflects projected changes in the economy, customer trends, indexation parameters and the impact of policy and program initiatives.
Wife Pension (DSP) is a closed payment with no new grants since 1 July 1995. Customers may, instead, qualify for other income support payments.
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Table 2.5.3: Budgeted expenses for Income Support for Carers
Program 5.3 deliverables
• Payments are made through Centrelink to eligible claimants under the provisions of social security law.
• Ex gratia payments to unsuccessful applicants for Carer Payment (Child) (Carer Adjustment Payment) are paid under the provisions of the FMA Act.
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Program 5.3 key performance indicators
Carer Allowance (Adult and Child)
• Number of recipients
• Administered outlays
• Payment accuracy
• Agreements are in place with all service delivery agencies
• Strategies are in place to ensure that the requirements are fulfilled under agreements with service delivery agencies
• Percentage and number of primary carers who are receiving payment29
Carer Payment
• Number of recipients
• Administered outlays
• Payment accuracy
• Agreements are in place with all service delivery agencies
• Strategies are in place to ensure that the requirements are fulfilled under agreements with service delivery agencies
• Percentage and number of primary carers who are receiving payment
• Percentage and number of recipients reporting employment income
• Percentage and number of recipients on part rate due to the income and assets test30
Child Disability Assistance Payment
• Number of recipients
• Administered outlays
• Payment accuracy
Wife Pension (DSP)
• Number of recipients
• Administered outlays
• Payment accuracy
• Percentage and number of recipients reporting employment income
• Percentage and number of recipients on part rate due to the income and assets test31
• Ratio of current number of Wife Pension (DSP) recipients to the number of Wife Pension (DSP) recipients at 1 July 1995
Carer Supplement
• Number of recipients
• Administered outlays
• Payment accuracy
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Program 5.4: Services and Support for People with Disability
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Program 5.4 objective
To provide supported employment and improve access to information, advocacy and services for people with disability so they can develop their capabilities and actively participate in community and economic life.
Program component objectives
Services for People with Disability
To provide social support and community-based care for people with disability, their carers and their families, to promote independence, self-reliance and participation in the community.
|
Program 5.4 expenses
The changes in program expenses across the forward years reflect projected
changes in indexation parameters and the impact of policy initiatives. The key new initiatives are:
• A Better Start for Children with Disability – Early Intervention
• Supported Accommodation for People with Disability, which ends in 2013–14.
In addition to this, the estimates for 2010–11 and 2011–12 are affected by the movement of $5 million between years.
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Table 2.5.4: Budgeted expenses for Services and Support for People with Disability
Program 5.4 deliverables
• Number of children with disability, including autism, receiving support services32
• Number of supported employees assisted by supported employment services
• Number of people with disability provided with direct advocacy support
• Number of carers of people with severe or profound disability assisted with short-term or immediate respite
• Number of clients receiving Outside School Hours Care for Teenagers with Disability services33
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Services and Support for People with Disability deliverables targets
Program 5.4 key performance indicators
• Number of supported employees who achieve an employment outcome (at least eight hours per week for at least 13 weeks from commencement in a supported employment place)
• Percentage and number of individuals, parents and carers who report that they were assisted to access choices and options that enabled them to manage their needs
• Percentage and number of supported employees/clients likely to have reduced reliance on income support payments (sufficient income to affect DSP)
• Percentage and number of clients from Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Percentage and number of clients reporting that the services received were appropriate to their needs as parents/carers
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Program 5.5: Support for Carers
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Program 5.5 objective
To provide peer support, respite and information services for carers to help them balance their care responsibilities with social participation and, in the case of young carers, completion of their education.
Program 5.5 has no program components.
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Program 5.5 expenses
The increase in program expenses over the forward estimates reflects projected changes in indexation parameters.
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Table 2.5.5: Budgeted expenses for Support for Carers
Program 5.5 deliverables34
Support for Carers
• Number of young carers at risk of not completing secondary education assisted with respite services
• Number of parents and carers assisted by MyTime peer support groups
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Support for Carers deliverables targets
Program 5.5 key performance indicators
Support for Carers
• Percentage and number of clients from Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Percentage of clients satisfied that the services they received were appropriate to their needs as carers
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Outcome 6: Women
Improved gender equality through coordinated whole of government advice and support for women’s economic security, safety and status.
| Outcome 6 strategy
The Office for Women delivers programs and provides policy advice and coordination across government to improve equality between women and men.
Equality benefits women and men, as well as their families and communities. Progress towards equality prevents women from falling into poverty and improves outcomes for the most vulnerable women and their families.
The Office for Women works in three priority areas: reducing violence against women; improving economic outcomes for women; and ensuring women's equal place in society. The Office also supports work across government on important issues to enhance the responsiveness of policy to the contemporary needs of women and men and to advance equality.
The Office for Women undertakes a range of work through the Gender Equality Program, including:
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initiatives that reduce violence against women and their children, with a focus on primary prevention; research; improved expert services for victims and their families; and the implementation of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and Their Children (together with the states and territories)
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initiatives to build women’s capacity to take on leadership responsibilities and improve the gender balance on government boards and bodies
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initiatives to improve women's economic outcomes with a focus on improving equal opportunity for women in the workplace
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supporting women and women’s organisations to engage actively with government
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ensure that women’s needs, priorities and interests are taken into account in important policy decisions across government
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administration of the Support for Victims of Trafficking Program
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representing government at national and international forums, such as the United Nations, to promote equality and women's empowerment
-
whole-of-government leadership in policy development on equality between
women and men
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research into equality issues.
Violence against women is one of the most serious causes and consequences of continued inequality. It is one of the key risk factors for women slipping into poverty and disadvantage. The Australian Government is providing leadership to achieve a significant reduction in violence against women and their children.
Improving women's economic outcomes is a key to achieving equality between women and men in Australia. It will also significantly boost Australia’s productivity. Modelling commissioned from the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling by the Office for Women demonstrates that addressing the continuing gender pay gap would contribute $93 billion to the Australian economy.
Outcome 6 expense statement
Table 2.6 provides an overview of the total expenses for Outcome 6, by program.
Table 2.6: Budgeted expenses for Outcome 6
Contributions to Outcome 6
Program 6.1: Gender Equality for Women
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Program 6.1 objective
To implement strategies in priority areas to achieve gender equality. The priority areas include reducing violence against women, improving economic outcomes for women, and ensuring women’s equal place in society.
Program component objectives
Gender Equality for Women
To implement strategies in priority areas to achieve gender equality.
Other Services—Services for other Government and Non-Government Bodies (Special Account)
To manage expenditure in connection with services performed on behalf of other governments and bodies that are not agencies subject to the FMA Act, including the Commonwealth, State, Territory and New Zealand Ministers’ Conference on the Status of Women.
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Program 6.1 expenses
The change in program expenses across the forward years reflects projected changes in indexation parameters and the impact of policy initiatives.
The key initiatives are the Extension and Expansion of the 1800 National online service, Strategic Leadership Projects which ends in 2012–13, and the National Centre of Excellence.
In addition to this, the estimates for 2010–11 and 2011–12 are effected by a movement of funds of $1.9 million from 2010–11 to 2011–12 for the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and Children.
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Table 2.6.1: Budgeted expenses for Gender Equality for Women
Program 6.1 deliverables
• Number of individuals contacting Helpline programs
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Gender Equality for Women deliverables targets
Program 6.1 key performance indicators
Gender Equality for Women
• Percentage and number of women representatives on Australian government boards
• Assessment by stakeholders of the contribution of the Office for Women to national debates affecting gender equality
• Percentage and number of women contacting the national online and 1800 service
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Outcome 7: Indigenous
Closing the gap in Indigenous disadvantage with improved wellbeing, capacity to participate economically and socially and to manage life-transitions for Indigenous Australians through Indigenous engagement, coordinated whole of government policy advice and targeted support services.
| Outcome 7 strategy
FaHCSIA is the lead agency responsible for coordinating whole-of-government commitments to close the gap in Indigenous disadvantage and provides whole of government leadership, coordination and policy advice.
The National Indigenous Reform Agreement, agreed by COAG in November 2008, frames the commitments made by all governments to work with Indigenous communities to provide better outcomes for Indigenous Australians in seven key areas, or Building Blocks: Early Childhood; Schooling; Health; Economic Participation; Healthy Homes; Safe Communities; and Governance and Leadership.
FaHCSIA works closely with other Commonwealth departments and state and territory governments to oversee the operation of the agreement and, specifically, to drive the implementation of three Indigenous-specific National Partnership agreements:
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the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Service Delivery
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the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing
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the National Partnership Agreement on Closing the Gap in the Northern Territory.
In fulfilling its role as lead agency on Closing the Gap on Indigenous disadvantage, FaHCSIA has established a number of arrangements to promote close cooperation between agencies who are partners in this important work. Commonwealth agencies including the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, the Department of Health and Ageing, the Department of Human Services, Centrelink and others meet regularly to coordinate strategies across Australian Government agencies to implement the National Indigenous Reform Agreement. Multilateral engagement is facilitated through the Working Group on Indigenous Reform, which includes representatives from the states and territories and reports directly to COAG.
In addition, FaHCSIA is working to ensure services delivered under mainstream National Partnership agreements are accessible to Indigenous Australians, as set out in the National Urban and Regional Service Delivery Strategy for Indigenous Australians, agreed by COAG in July 2009.
FaHCSIA is supporting the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples (the Congress) in the lead up to its inaugural meeting in July 2011, helping to enable the Congress to provide robust policy advice that is reflective of its membership.
FaHCSIA provides secretariat support to an expert panel, established by government, to provide options for constitutional change to recognise Indigenous Australians. The expert panel will report on possible options for constitutional change to the Government by December 2011.
FaHCSIA's national network of state offices, Regional Operations Centres and Indigenous Coordination Centres engages with Indigenous people and communities to build partnerships, support greater personal responsibility and better coordinate service delivery.
FaHCSIA delivers a range of initiatives that empower Indigenous people to access and participate in the wider economy. It also provides Indigenous leadership training and capability development to Indigenous people and communities throughout Australia.
FaHCSIA supports Indigenous rights to land recognised or provided for through Commonwealth land rights legislation and provides representation and assistance for native title holders through a network of funded native title representative bodies and native title service providers.
FaHCSIA also coordinates new Indigenous policy development across the Australian Government, including through the Single Indigenous Budget Submission and the evaluation of the impacts of existing programs and policies.
The 2011-12 Budget extends the current trial of welfare reform in Cape York until 31 December 2012. To ensure the trial builds on early successes and continues to meet the needs of local people, the Queensland Government will lead a process of consultation with Cape York communities on the extension. The extension will build on partnerships established with the Queensland Government, the Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership, regional organisations and local Indigenous communities.
Indigenous people will also benefit from the expansion of the Personal Helpers and Mentors (PHaMS) respite service under Outcome 5 – Disability and Carers. Funding is being provided in this Budget for an additional 425 new community mental health workers. These PHaMS will work one on one to assist an additional 3,400 people with severe mental illness including 1,200 people with mental illness who have been referred to employment services to move into work. Along with services around Australia that are accessible to Indigenous people, PHaMS delivers specialist remote services that have a strong focus on cultural, mental and physical healing for Indigenous people.
Outcome 7 expense statement
Table 2.7 provides an overview of the total expenses for Outcome 7, by program.
Table 2.7: Budgeted expenses for Outcome 7
(continued on next page)
Table 2.7: Budgeted expenses for Outcome 7 (continued)
Contributions to Outcome 7
Program 7.1: Economic Development and Participation
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Program 7.1 objective
To improve the capacity of Indigenous Australians to participate in the economy.
Program component objectives
Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP )Program
To strengthen Indigenous communities and support Indigenous people in remote areas through community development and participation opportunities that develop skills, improve capacity, work readiness and employability and link with local priorities.
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Linked to: The Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) Program works in tandem with Job Services Australia and the Indigenous Employment Program. Payments under the National Partnership Agreement on Indigenous Economic Participation are made by the Treasury. For information about those payments, refer to the Treasury’s 2011–12 PB Statements and Budget Paper No. 3, Australia’s Federal Relations 2011–12.
For further information on this program, refer the DEEWR 2011-12 PB Statements.
|
Program 7.1 expenses
The changes in program expenses across the forward years are driven by projected changes in indexation parameters and the impact of policy initiatives. The key initiatives are:
• from 2011–12 funds formerly allocated from the Indigenous Employment Special Account to be fully appropriated directly to contributing agencies
• revised funding in 2011–12 and 2012–13 for the Community Development and Employment Projects program.
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Table 2.7.1: Budgeted expenses for Economic Development and Participation
Program 7.1 deliverables
• Number of Community Development Projects
• Number of Work Readiness Services
|
Program 7.1 key performance indicators
• Percentage of the Community Action Plans that are progressing on schedule to meet community development goals for CDEP by 30 June 2012
• Percentage and number of CDEP participants who have commenced non accredited training
• Percentage and number of CDEP participants who have commenced and completed accredited training
• Percentage and number of CDEP participants who commenced work experience and remained in continued work experience for 13 weeks or more35
• Percentage and number of CDEP participants who commenced off-CDEP employment
• Percentage and number of CDEP participants who commenced off-CDEP employment and who remained in continued employment for 13 weeks or more
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Economic Development and Participation key performance indicators targets
Program 7.2: Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure
|
Program 7.2 objective
To improve the quality and supply of Indigenous housing and infrastructure in remote communities.
Program component objectives
Remote Indigenous Housing
To deliver programs and projects that are supplementary to the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing, including the Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program, Indigenous Mothers’ Accommodation Fund, remote Indigenous housing- and infrastructure-related research and other infrastructure projects. In addition, funding is provided for delivery of some municipal and essential services to Indigenous communities under existing arrangements pending the implementation of revised arrangements for roles, responsibilities and funding across governments as agreed under the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing.
Indigenous Boarding Hostels Partnerships
To provide funding to establish student accommodation for Indigenous young people from remote areas.
|
Payments under the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing, the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness, the National Partnership Agreement on Social Housing and the National Affordable Housing Agreement are made by the Treasury. For information about those payments, refer to the Treasury’s 2011–12 PB Statements and Budget Paper No. 3, Australia’s Federal Relations 2011–12.
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Program 7.2 expenses
The changes in program expenses across the forward years reflect projected changes in indexation parameters, the completion of the projects under the Indigenous Boarding Hostels Partnerships and Remote Indigenous Housing programs and the commitment under the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing to work with jurisdictions towards clearer roles, responsibilities and funding for municipal and essential services with implementation of new arrangements from 1 July 2012.
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Table 2.7.2: Budgeted expenses for Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure
Program 7.2 deliverables
National Programs and Projects
• Number of hostel beds for Indigenous students made available to a hostel operator by 30 June 201236
• Number of hostel beds for Indigenous mothers made available to a hostel operator by 30 June 201237
• Number of communities receiving municipal and essential services funded by the Commonwealth37
|
National Programs and Projects deliverables targets
COAG
This program also contributes to the objectives of the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing.
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Program 7.2 key performance indicators38
National programs and projects
• Percentage and number of new hostel construction projects for Indigenous students that met specified project objectives39
• Percentage and number of new hostel construction projects for Indigenous mothers that met specified project objectives
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Program 7.3: Native Title and Land Rights
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Program 7.3 objective
To support Indigenous rights to land recognised or provided for through Commonwealth land rights legislation and facilitate the representation and assistance of native title claimants and holders in the pursuit and exercise of native title rights.
Program component objectives
Native Title
To provide representation and assistance for native title holders and claimants in their efforts to gain formal recognition of native title rights and in the exercise of those rights, through a network of funded native title representative bodies and native title service providers. The formal recognition and exercise of native title rights can contribute to closing the gap for affected communities by facilitating greater economic and social participation.
Land Rights
To support Indigenous rights to land recognised or provided for through Commonwealth land rights legislation.
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Linked to: For other Commonwealth expenditure on the native title system, see AGD’s 2011–12 PB Statements.
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Program 7.3 expenses
The increase in program expenses across the forward years reflect projected changes in indexation parameters and the impact of policy initiatives, in particular, the effect of the Native Title System – Additional Funding measure announced in 2009–10 Budget.
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Table 2.7.3: Budgeted expenses for Native Title and Land Rights
Program 7.3 deliverables
Deliverables cannot be forecast over the forward years as services under this program are demand driven, and completion rates are determined in a complex interaction with other stakeholders, often with conflicting interests.
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Program 7.3 key performance indicators
Native Title
• Proportion of Native Title claims progressed
• Proportion of Native Title claims concluded
• Number of future act agreements progressed and concluded
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Program 7.4: Indigenous Capability and Development
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Program 7.4 objective
To provide support for individuals, families and communities to improve wellbeing, capability and governance.
Program component objectives
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land Account
To provide a secure and ongoing source of funds to the Indigenous Land Corporation in perpetuity to provide economic, environmental, social and cultural benefits for Aboriginal persons and Torres Strait Islanders by assisting in the acquisition and management of an Indigenous land base. On 20 June 2010 the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 was amended to provide a minimum guaranteed annual payment of $45.0 million to the Indigenous Land Corporation from 1 July 2010. This payment will be indexed for later years by the consumer price index.
Aboriginals Benefit Account (Special Appropriation)
To administer statutory royalty equivalent monies calculated from royalties paid to Government from mining on Aboriginal land in the Northern Territory under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976, consistent with the FMA Act.
Constitutional Recognition
To provide secretariat support to the Government appointed Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians. The Expert Panel will lead national public consultation and report to the Government by December 2011 on options for Constitutional change.
Flexible Funding
To address priority needs through flexible funding for strategic investments, including community development projects in Remote Service Delivery National Partnership priority communities and elsewhere.
Indigenous Capability and Development
To deliver services that support Indigenous individuals, families and communities to improve their wellbeing and engagement with government, with a focus on leadership, capacity building and promoting Indigenous culture and knowledge, and to provide funding for independent organisations which deliver similar functions.
Ranger Agreement
To make payments to the Northern Land Council as a form of rental to ensure access to the Ranger Project area for the purposes of mining.
Registrar of Indigenous Corporations
To register, regulate and provide services that address the specific needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations in improving their corporate governance.
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Linked to: For information on the ILC, refer to the corporation’s agency resources and planned performance section in these PB Statements.
Linked to: Program 7.5 Closing the Gap in the Northern Territory.
Linked to: DHA’s Program 8.1 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health. For more information about this program refer to DHA’s 2011–12 PB Statements.
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Program 7.4 expenses
The changes in program expenses across the forward years reflect projected changes in indexation parameters and the impact of policy initiatives. The major policy initiatives affecting program estimates are:
• Reconciliation Australia, which is provided with $10.8 million over three years from 2010-11
• Indigenous Healing Foundation, which is provided with $26.6 million over four years from 2009-10
• Indigenous Communities Strategic Investment program which provides $46.0 million over three years from 2010-11.
Variations in Aboriginals Benefit Account royalty equivalent revenue across the forward years are subject to the profits recorded by individual mines and world market resource prices.
Funding for the Indigenous Communities Strategic Investment (ICSI) includes the appropriations for the extension of the Cape York Welfare Reform Trial, which is funded from 2011-12 to the end of December 2012, as well as the Remote Service Delivery Flexible Funding Pool, which is funded from 2010-11 to 2012-13.
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Table 2.7.4: Budgeted expenses for Indigenous Capability and Development
Program 7.4 deliverables
Indigenous Capability and Development
• Number of Indigenous people who participated in supported leadership activities
• Number of Indigenous Women's Leadership activities
• Number of Indigenous leadership development activities in priority communities under the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Service Delivery
• Number of Indigenous leadership development activities held in locations other than priority communities under the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Service Delivery, including national, place-based and targeted workshops
Flexible Funding
• Number of flexible funding projects
Registrar of Indigenous Corporations
• Number of participants in corporate governance capacity development programs
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Indigenous Capability Development deliverables targets
Program 7.4 key performance indicators
Indigenous Capability and Development
• Percentage and number of participants in Indigenous leadership programs who reported that they benefited from increased knowledge, skills and capabilities gained from their participation40
• Percentage and number of participants in Indigenous Women's programs who reported that they benefited from involvement in an Indigenous Womens project40
Flexible Funding
• Percentage and number of flexible funding projects that have met specified project objectives
Registrar of Indigenous Corporations
• Percentage and number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations that are compliant with reporting requirements under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006
• Percentage and number of participants in corporate governance capacity development programs who have reported a significant increase in corporate governance knowledge and skills
• Percentage and number of clients satisfied that the services provided met their needs
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Program 7.5: Closing the Gap in the Northern Territory
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Program 7.5 objective
FaHCSIA, in partnership with the Northern Territory, provides whole-of-government policy coordination and implementation of targeted measures, in partnership with the Northern Territory Government, in relation to the National Partnership Agreement on Closing the Gap. The agreement aims to protect women and children, improve community capacity and provide sustainable community development in prescribed communities.
FaHCSIA Program component objectives
Family Support Package
The Family Support Package provides a coordinated response to Indigenous family violence in a number of Northern Territory communities to protect Indigenous children and families from abuse and violence. The three components of the package are safe places, mobile child protection teams and remote Aboriginal and family community workers.
Youth in Communities
To deliver a comprehensive Indigenous youth strategy in the Northern Territory, to provide an effective diversion from at-risk behaviours and to improve life choices and outcomes.
Community Stores
To improve the governance and operations of remote community stores with a particular focus on improving reliable access to healthy and affordable food.
Substance Abuse
To contribute to the protection of women and children, reduce violence and associated alcohol and substance abuse and promote personal responsibility and community norms.
Resetting the Relationship
To strengthen Indigenous leadership and governance capacity of community members and organisations in the Northern Territory.
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Linked to:
Early childhood and playgroup services are delivered under Program 1.1: Family Support.
Welfare reform is delivered under Program 3.1: Financial Management.
Leadership and community development services are delivered under Program 7.4: Indigenous Capability and Development.
The Petrol Sniffing Strategy funded under the Combating Petrol Sniffing Measure of Program 7.4: Indigenous Capability and Development.
The election commitment on alcohol and substance abuse is funded through the Breaking the Cycle of Drug and Alcohol Abuse measure in Program 7.4: Indigenous Capability and Development.
Payments under the National Partnership Agreement on Closing the Gap in the Northern Territory are made by the Treasury. For information about those payments, refer to the Treasury’s 2011–12 PB Statements and Budget Paper No. 3, Australia’s Federal Relations 2011–12.
The Closing the Gap in the Northern Territory Evaluation Strategy provides ongoing assessment to capture whole-of-government effort, including services delivered by the Northern Territory Government, under the National Partnership Agreement on Closing the Gap in the Northern Territory. As part of the evaluation strategy, the Australian and Northern Territory Governments have agreed to conduct an independent outcome evaluation in 2011–12.
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Program 7.5 expenses
The rental and other payments associated with the five year leases over Aboriginal land under the Northern Territory Emergency Response are expected to be finalised by 30 June 2012.
The reduction in program expenses in 2012-13 reflects the expiry of the five year leases on 17 August 2012, and therefore payments will be for a shorter period (1 July to 17 August 2012) and the cessation of the Northern Territory Emergency Response measure in 2011-12.
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Table 2.7.5: Budgeted expenses for Closing the Gap in the Northern Territory
Program 7.5 deliverables
Family Support Package
• Number of priority communities with improved access to family support services through the provision of a Remote Aboriginal Family and Community Worker presence over 12 months
• Number of cases in which the Mobile Child Protection team participates over 12 months
• Number of Safe Place facilities operating in priority communities over 12 months
Youth in Communities
• Number of youth workers employed in priority communities
• Number of facilities made available for providing youth services and activities
Community Stores
• Number of community stores licensed
Resetting the Relationship
• Number of workshops and supported activities
• Number of organisations and/or groups engaged through workshops and supported activities
• Number of people and organisations attending workshops reporting an increase in capacity to engage with government
Substance Abuse
• Number of substance abuse projects
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Family Support Package deliverables targets
Program 7.5 key performance indicators
Closing the Gap in the Northern Territory
Family Support Package
• Percentage of services that achieve key delivery requirements
Youth in Communities
• Percentage and number of priority funded communities with improved access to youth services41
• Percentage and number of priority communities where improved facilities are made available for providing youth services and activities
• Percentage and number of prescribed communities served by a licensed store
Resetting the Relationship
• Number of communities and projects supported through leadership and governance activity
Substance Abuse
• Percentage and number of substance abuse projects that have met specified project objectives
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