Artefacts about Unemployment Benefit

House of Representatives, Aboriginal Employment, Ministerial Statement, Speech, Cover Page

The Fraser Government introduced the Community Development Employment Program in 1977 to address Aboriginal unemployment and reduce the number of people applying for Unemployment Benefit.

First page of the DSS record Dr Elspeth Young's research presentation titled 'Research in Aboriginal Economy'. It is typed text. There is a 'Received' stamp on the top left corner of the page with the date 26 Feb 1980.

Researcher highlights complex issues in remote servicing

In a briefing to public servants, Dr Young discussed difficulties faced by remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory. She highlighted DSS servicing gaps that she believed worsened the situation.

Still image from 'A message from the Department' video, showing Senator Neville Bonner speaking to the camera, with an Aboriginal flag behind him.

Aboriginal Senator explains DSS payments

DSS began making their information more accessible for Aboriginal people in the 1980s. An early example is this video featuring Neville Bonner, the first Aboriginal person in federal Parliament.

Cover of the Report of the Committee of Review of Aboriginal Employment and Training Programs. The cover is plain, with the Australian coat of arms at the top, and a black, yellow and red border extending along the bottom and right of the cover.

The Miller report supports self-determination in employment policies

An influential report on government programs recommended changes to improve employment and education outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

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 Social Security Review issues paper number 4 with the title 'Income Support for the Unemployed in Australia: Towards a More Active System' and a postal address for the review.

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.

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.

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.

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