ANTI-POVERTY SERVICES

In reply to the Hon. A. BRESSINGTON (26 October 2010).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises): The Minister for Families and Communities has been advised that:

1. The amount of funding available for Emergency Financial Assistance payments will not be decreased. The reform of the Department for Families and Communities (DFC) Anti-Poverty Program is about implementing more efficient ways to distribute these funds.

2. The Department has been in discussion with the Commonwealth Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA), which has provided DFC with a list of all Commonwealth funded financial assistance programs.

DFC has a list of all the non government low income support programs that the Department funds. DFC has also had discussions with the South Australian Financial Counsellors Association Inc., regarding the distribution of anti-poverty services across South Australia.

The implementation of DFC's Anti-Poverty Program reform will be guided by the information compiled on where and who delivers services. Subsequently, DFC will ensure that financial assistance services continue to be available in all areas of South Australia currently covered.

3. Through community consultation on the proposed Anti-Poverty Program reform, DFC will identify specific needs and considerations, in the allocation of financial assistance services across South Australia.

DFC will also work with partner organisations to identify implementation issues and will work with the non-government sector to build capacity for future delivery of emergency financial assistance.

4. Yes. The 2010-11 Budget initiative requires Families SA to restructure its Anti-Poverty program to focus on children, young people and families who are in contact with Families SA, by providing integrated social work and financial counselling. This includes care and protection cases.