Review examines Australia’s social security system
The Social Security Review reported on improving Australia’s social security system and recommended policy changes to government. The review influenced decisions throughout the 1990s.
DSS reviews policy on Aboriginal marriage practices
DSS’s policy on supporting multiple wives from traditional marriages was unclear in the late 1980s. Research into the issue suggested solutions.
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.
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.
To encourage uptake of the Support Network for Aboriginal Parents (SNAP) Program, DSS made a video to explain how it worked.
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.
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.
DSS introduces Newstart Allowance
DSS used a colourful poster to introduce Newstart Allowance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
