Artefacts about Reports and research

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’s policy on supporting multiple wives from traditional marriages was unclear in the late 1980s. Research into the issue suggested solutions.

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.

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.

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.

A study into communication preferences among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities showed DSS needed to better account for community needs.

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.