1990s
In the 1990s, the Department of Social Security reflected on its history and further researched the effectiveness of its programs. These artefacts show the broad changes that were happening to social security policy at the time. They also show how the department communicated using Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led videos and designs.
1990
DSS uses clear slogan in campaign
DSS used community scenarios on a poster to show when people needed to let the department know about changes of circumstances.
Right story – right money.
That’s how it is with Social Security.
That’s how it is with Social Security.
DSS comic, 1991
Right story – right money.
That’s how it is with Social Security.
That’s how it is with Social Security.
DSS comic, 1991
1990
Report bases advice on Aboriginal people’s experiences
DSS asked residents of Aboriginal communities in northern Australia whether social security met their needs, what problems they had getting payments and if any changes to the system were needed.
… there is still no specific policy or strategic plan for the delivery of Department of Social Security services and programs to remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. This must be seen as one of the real weaknesses in terms of the development of a high quality service for these residents ...
Dell Burgen in Where to now? report, 1990, p 5
… there is still no specific policy or strategic plan for the delivery of Department of Social Security services and programs to remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. This must be seen as one of the real weaknesses in terms of the development of a high quality service for these residents ...
Dell Burgen in Where to now? report, 1990, p 5
1990
DSS video promotes SNAP
To encourage uptake of the Support Network for Aboriginal Parents (SNAP) Program, DSS made a video to explain how it worked.
I’m here to tell you about the benefits, the Family Allowance Supplement, and the Family Allowance ... that you’re entitled to … to make sure that your kids are getting the proper money they should be.
Paul Brandy, DSS, 1990
I’m here to tell you about the benefits, the Family Allowance Supplement, and the Family Allowance ... that you’re entitled to … to make sure that your kids are getting the proper money they should be.
Paul Brandy, DSS, 1990
1991
DSS uses comic to explain a new payment
To give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families information about a new payment, DSS worked with Aboriginal professionals to publish a comic.
This FAS Top-up money Janie – Helps you with the kids?
Helps a lot, Gertie! – with kids’ lunch money for school … with tucker … Your community is CDEP – You can get Top-up Money too!
Helps a lot, Gertie! – with kids’ lunch money for school … with tucker … Your community is CDEP – You can get Top-up Money too!
Top-up money for kids comic, 1991, p 3
This FAS Top-up money Janie – Helps you with the kids?
Helps a lot, Gertie! – with kids’ lunch money for school … with tucker … Your community is CDEP – You can get Top-up Money too!
Helps a lot, Gertie! – with kids’ lunch money for school … with tucker … Your community is CDEP – You can get Top-up Money too!
Top-up money for kids comic, 1991, p 3
1991
Government simplifies Social Security Act
The government simplified social security legislation, with the intention of making it easier to understand. They also included passages encouraging positive change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
In administering this Act, the Secretary is to have regard to ... the need to be responsive to Aboriginality and to cultural and linguistic diversity.
Social Security Act 1991, section 1296(c)
In administering this Act, the Secretary is to have regard to ... the need to be responsive to Aboriginality and to cultural and linguistic diversity.
Social Security Act 1991, section 1296(c)
1991
DSS introduces Newstart Allowance
DSS used a colourful poster to introduce Newstart Allowance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Here’s important news for people on unemployment benefits. It’s not just news for men, it’s for women too. On 1 July this year Unemployment Benefits finished and a program called Newstart took its place.
Chris Kelly and Green Ant for DSS, 1991
Here’s important news for people on unemployment benefits. It’s not just news for men, it’s for women too. On 1 July this year Unemployment Benefits finished and a program called Newstart took its place.
Chris Kelly and Green Ant for DSS, 1991
1991
DSS reflects on 50 years of social security
In 1991, DSS published histories of service delivery in a staff newsletter and annual report. Both pieces included information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicing.
Presently, [Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander] clients are experiencing unequalled levels of service delivery and policy development ... to specifically ensure full access to DSS advice, information and entitlements by the once excluded ‘Aboriginal Natives’ of Australia.
Lorraine Randall in Jumbunna, 1991, p 7
Presently, [Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander] clients are experiencing unequalled levels of service delivery and policy development ... to specifically ensure full access to DSS advice, information and entitlements by the once excluded ‘Aboriginal Natives’ of Australia.
Lorraine Randall in Jumbunna, 1991, p 7
1991
Torres Strait Islands video uses local footage and languages
DSS made a video to inform Torres Strait Islander people about the payments they could get and how to apply. It was recorded in 4 languages.
I hope that you go play your role for gaining information, because it will benefit you, yourself, as an individual or as family or as community ...
Getano Lui Jnr, 1991
I hope that you go play your role for gaining information, because it will benefit you, yourself, as an individual or as family or as community ...
Getano Lui Jnr, 1991
1992
Report suggests improvements to program supporting sole parents
A report into the JET Program for sole parents found government officials needed to work with Aboriginal communities to meet their needs instead of telling them what to do.
This project is an attempt by an Aboriginal person to bridge the gap between a mainstream program in DSS and the needs of the Aboriginal community in Central Australia.
Lorraine Randall, 1992, p 3
This project is an attempt by an Aboriginal person to bridge the gap between a mainstream program in DSS and the needs of the Aboriginal community in Central Australia.
Lorraine Randall, 1992, p 3
1993
ABSTUDY continues to help
In the 1990s, the government used posters with simple text to promote ABSTUDY, suggesting it was a well-known program by this time.
Its your future: go for it! ABSTUDY: financial assistance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
Department of Employment, Education and Training, 1993
Its your future: go for it! ABSTUDY: financial assistance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
Department of Employment, Education and Training, 1993
1993
DSS advertises JET Program in video
To encourage more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents to use the Jobs, Education and Training Program, DSS made a video featuring stories from customers and presented by prominent Aboriginal women.
JET is one way … for people … to get the right advice, to be given the confidence and personal information and personal contact with the JET Officer within the Social Security office ...
Linda Burney for DSS, 1993
JET is one way … for people … to get the right advice, to be given the confidence and personal information and personal contact with the JET Officer within the Social Security office ...
Linda Burney for DSS, 1993
1994
Community Agents support people in remote areas
In 1987, DSS began the Community Agent Program to help support Aboriginal people in remote and regional areas. In 1990, the department researched how to improve the program and followed up with a detailed handbook for agents.
... the Community Agents Program is a valuable means of delivering Department of Social Security services to remote Aboriginal communities ... there was strong endorsement both from communities and from Department of Social Security regional offices.
Trish Hauff for DSS, 1990, p 5
... the Community Agents Program is a valuable means of delivering Department of Social Security services to remote Aboriginal communities ... there was strong endorsement both from communities and from Department of Social Security regional offices.
Trish Hauff for DSS, 1990, p 5
1994
Video helps staff explain new payments
DSS made a video to help staff introduce new payments to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customers. The video shows how to apply and how to help customers in remote areas.
The AILO, SNAP Officers or Remote Visiting Teams in those regions ... will be on hand in the communities to help people to fill in the forms and also to take the forms back ...
Eddie Hollingsworth, DSS, 1994
The AILO, SNAP Officers or Remote Visiting Teams in those regions ... will be on hand in the communities to help people to fill in the forms and also to take the forms back ...
Eddie Hollingsworth, DSS, 1994
1995
Review of SNAP Program shows positive results
A DSS review of the Support Network for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Parents Program showed how the program had helped communities. The review also made recommendations to further improve the program.
The first step taken in the SNAP role is to make the people aware that I am here to assist them in whatever way they want – not to charge in and impose myself and the program upon them. The next step is virtually up to the people.
Cairns SNAP Officer, 1995, p 38
The first step taken in the SNAP role is to make the people aware that I am here to assist them in whatever way they want – not to charge in and impose myself and the program upon them. The next step is virtually up to the people.
Cairns SNAP Officer, 1995, p 38
1995
Video explains Appeals Guest Placement Program
DSS made a video explaining the Appeals Guest Placement Program to Aboriginal and Islander Officers (AILOs). The program helped AILOs learn how to help customers make appeals.
... we do not promote the appeals system very well, and a lot of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customers are unaware that they do have the ability to appeal against a decision.
Robyn Forester for DSS, 1995
... we do not promote the appeals system very well, and a lot of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customers are unaware that they do have the ability to appeal against a decision.
Robyn Forester for DSS, 1995
1995
Aboriginal media figure explains changes to payments for women
When women started to get government payments themselves, DSS produced a video tailored to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
You’ll get a letter from Social Security about these changes, and a newsletter will be sent to you … If you’re not sure what you need to do, contact an AILO from Social Security or talk to a Community Agent.
Michelle Tuahine for DSS, 1995
You’ll get a letter from Social Security about these changes, and a newsletter will be sent to you … If you’re not sure what you need to do, contact an AILO from Social Security or talk to a Community Agent.
Michelle Tuahine for DSS, 1995
1995
Study finds government communication lacking
A study into communication preferences among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities showed DSS needed to better account for community needs.
In this study, respondents repeated what has been said over the years about not being listened to, having lip-service paid to their requests for support, or dealing with imposed solutions, strategies and services which fail to address and meet their real needs and aspirations.
DSS, 1995, p ix
In this study, respondents repeated what has been said over the years about not being listened to, having lip-service paid to their requests for support, or dealing with imposed solutions, strategies and services which fail to address and meet their real needs and aspirations.
DSS, 1995, p ix
1997
Centrelink launches
The creation of Centrelink in 1997 started a new era of social service delivery in Australia.
The Agency has the following functions: ... the provision of Commonwealth services in accordance with service arrangements …
Commonwealth Services Delivery Agency Act, 1997, p 4
The Agency has the following functions: ... the provision of Commonwealth services in accordance with service arrangements …
Commonwealth Services Delivery Agency Act, 1997, p 4