ANTI-POVERTY SERVICES

In reply to the Hon. A. BRESSINGTON (17 May 2011) (First Session).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women): The Minister for Education and Child Development has advised:

The Government has provided consistent advice to SACOSS and the Legislative Council:

The 2010-11 State Budget requires Families SA to restructure the Anti-Poverty Program. From July 2011, the primary focus of the Families SA Anti-Poverty Program will be to work with children, young people and families who are in contact with Families SA care and protection and youth justice services.

The Government of South Australia is committed to working actively to reduce hardship and Families SA has capacity to distribute financial support funds, including financial counselling, and are exploring options to achieve this.

This reform presents significant opportunity to reduce the number of agencies people are required to attend on any one occasion, and for the one agency to distribute several financial services at once.

The amount of emergency financial assistance provided in South Australia will not be reduced.

Financial services will continue to be provided across the state, both metropolitan and country.