Social Services

A government probe into the safety of online dating sites has triggered changes in how the apps themselves operate, and the measures they go to ensure safety of their users. The National Roundtable on Online Dating Safety, facilitated by…

More than 4.7 million Australians will receive a cash boost to their social security payments to help them cope with the soaring cost of living from Monday.Australian households spent an average of 11.2 per cent more in December 2022 than…

Jim Chalmers has defended Australia’s nuclear submarine plans in the face of questions about how taxpayers are going to foot the massive bill and whether other programs such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme could be cut to pay…

New parents will be able to access more flexible paid parental leave after major changes passed parliament this week. The government’s legislation, which combines two existing payments into a shared 20-week-scheme; expends access; and makes…

Almost two-thirds of people on income support are struggling to keep their homes cool in sweltering summer temperatures, a damning report from Australia’s peak body for community services has found.The findings, published by the Australian…

The Project host Waleed Aly has spoken up in defence of embattled Reserve Bank boss Philip Lowe, telling viewers that the Australian central bank only has one way to fight inflation and that’s to “take money away from people”.Dr Lowe…

The robodebt saga continued for years despite top officials “knowing” the debts served out were inaccuarate, a hearing has heard.Annette Musolino, who was chief counsel at the Department of Human Services between 2016 and 2019, fronted the…

Scott Morrison was warned robodebt required changes to the law before it was introduced but his department still forged ahead with the illegal program.A royal commission has heard Department of Human Services officials told the former prime…

Scott Morrison and Marise Payne have been called as witnesses in the royal commission into the robodebt scheme next month. Mr Morrison, who was the social services minister when the botched debt recovery scheme was established, will be…

A disabled pensioner deemed a “professional gambler” and stripped of thousands of dollars in welfare payments after scoring a lottery win has issued an impassioned plea to Centrelink. Craig Hill had $500 taken from both his and his wife’s…