News > Media releases
What’s new for carers on the FaHCSIA website?
The latest news from the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA)
2009
Young Western Australians triumph over life’s challenges
On Friday 3 April 2009, Child Protection Minister Robyn McSweeney awarded 13 Western Australian teenagers in foster care up to $4,000 each to help them pursue post-secondary education and training.The Ida Curtois Achiever Awards provides financial assistance and encouragement to young people who have successfully remained at school and who intend pursuing further study or training.
Government launches foster care awareness campaign for WA’s vulnerable children
On 29 March 2009, Minister Robyn McSweeney launched a three-month awareness campaign to urgently recruit up to 250 foster carers across Western Australia as the number of children in care continues to rise by approximately 12 per cent a year.
2008
State Government signs up to $88million Disability Assistance Package
Premier Colin Barnett announces a bilateral agreement with the Commonwealth Government, releasing $88million to the State under the Disability Assistance Package.
Government Media Office, Ministerial Media Statements - 23 October 2008
Western Australian seniors to receive cost of living rebate in new year
Seniors’ Minister Robyn McSweeney welcomes the Federal Government’s announcement of bonuses to pensioners
Government Media Office, Ministerial Media Statements - 15 October 2008
Major funding boost for child sexual abuse treatment services
Child Protection Minister Robyn McSweeney announces child sexual abuse treatment services across the State will get a $5.64million boost to employ more staff and open new services in regional Western Australia.
State Government seeks input to improve services to carers
Sue Ellery, Minister for Child Protection; Communities; Women's Interests;
Seniors and Volunteering urges carers and representatives of care
organisations had until 15 August 2008 to participate in a review of the Carers
Recognition Act.
$24 million utility support net catches WA families in crisis
In May the State Government introduced a Hardship Utilities Grants Scheme to
help people pay their overdue utility bills before disconnection.
Grandparent carers offered time out from parenting
On 4 March 2008, Communities Minister Sue Ellery introduced the
‘Grandfamilies Support Initiatives Grants Program’ to offer grants of up to
$15,000 for community groups to provide respite for grandparents who were
raising their grandchildren.
2007
More to receive higher pensions from September 2007
More than two million age pensioners will receive increases in their pension payments from 20 September 2007 and an estimated 300,000 older Australians will be able to access the pension for the first time or get a higher rate of pension.
A Better Deal for Foster Carers and Relative Carers
The Carpenter Government’s Response to the Recommendations of the Review of the Department for Community Development regarding Foster Care.
