Artefacts about Self-determination

An excerpt from a document titled 'Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services in DSS', by Eleanor A Bourke.

Senior Aboriginal public servant reflects on history of discrimination

DSS Director Eleanor Bourke presented a concise timeline of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's access to government payments at a youth conference.

Cover of 'A Report to the Minister for Social Security, The Hon. Brian Howe on Departmental Services to Remote Areas of Northern Australia'. The subtitle reads 'Remote Area Task Force'. There is an image of some native animals in an Indigenous art style. The publishing details featured at the bottom of the cover read: 'Joe Flick Chairperson Remote Area Task Force July 1986'

Task force recommends social security changes

DSS commissioned a report from the Remote Area Task Force in 1986. They recommended changes to support a more regular income flow to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customers and to recognise cultural practices.

Cover of the document 'Where to now? Department of Social Security Payments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities in North Australia. September 1990'. At the top of the page are the logos for the Department of Social Security and the North Australia Development Unit.

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.

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.

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