Better support for our community's most vulnerable

Joint media release with

Hon. Bill Shorten MP

Minister For the National Disability Insurance Scheme

Minister For Government Services

An innovative program helping to bridge the gap between people doing it tough and Australia’s social security system is being extended to the electorate of Rankin.

Minister for Government Services, the Hon Bill Shorten MP, today announced phase 2 of the Community Partnership Pilot will expand to 15 sites across Australia.

“Under this pilot, Services Australia’s dedicated Community Partnership Specialist Officers (CPSOs) work on site at the participating community organisations to connect people to payments and services,” Minister Shorten said.

“We’re connecting with people in a familiar setting, working alongside the organisations they already go to for help. These simple and helpful interactions are building relationships with people that may have been otherwise marginalised from their community.

“One of my key priorities as Minister for Government Services has been tackling vulnerability, and the Community Partnership Pilot is a cornerstone of inclusive access to government services.

“The first phase of the pilot has already seen great outcomes by delivering a tailored service through partnerships with four organisations in Sydney, Melbourne, and Darwin.

“I’m proud to announce the extension of this pilot with a further 11 partnerships around the country, including YFS in Slacks Creek.”

Treasurer and Member for Rankin Jim Chalmers said he looked forward to seeing the impact this initiative has in his community over the next 12 months.

“Many people in our community and right throughout Australia are doing it tough right now. We want to create more opportunities for more Australians to get ahead,” he said.

“This initiative gives us an opportunity to improve our local service delivery to address disadvantage and barriers to accessing government services.

“This is all about making it easier for the most vulnerable members of our community to access the services and support they need.”

YFS CEO Cath Bartolo said her organisation was excited to be part of the pilot.

“For clients who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or experiencing other social and health issues, being able to access payments more quickly and easily will go a long way to reducing the burden,” Ms Bartolo said.

“We welcome the opportunity to work with Services Australia to help break down barriers for people in Logan and surrounding areas when they need support from Centrelink.”