The Latest Breaking News from Department of Social Services

Robodebt went ahead, despite legal doubts, after earning Scott Morrison’s backing, inquiry hears

The then social services minister wanted Centrelink debt recovery proposal worked up for 2015 budget process, royal commission told

The Guardian - AU · Nov 2, 2022

This Melbourne Cup, alcohol and sport collide. We need to watch out for domestic violence

Not everyone looks forward to the Melbourne Cup. Domestic violence and emergency services ready themselves for a potential increase in calls, call-outs and admissions.

The Conversation · Oct 31, 2022

Legal doubts over robodebt raised with government department in 2014, inquiry hears

First day of royal commission hearings told social services department did not seek ‘authoritative’ legal advice until four years after scheme was introduced

The Guardian - AU · Oct 31, 2022

2 boys allegedly killed by adoptive parents were illegally taken from mother, suit alleges

The biological family of two boys who authorities say were killed by their adoptive parents have filed a federal lawsuit alleging civil rights violations and wrongful death.

Los Angeles Times · Jun 22, 2022

A-G queries welfare card effectiveness

The cashless welfare card, aimed at reducing social harm, has failed to show it is meeting its aims with key recommendations for improvements ignored.

AAP · Jun 3, 2022

Morrison government failed to show cashless debit card scheme works, auditor general says

Scathing report finds Department of Social Services has not demonstrated the program is meeting objectives

The Guardian - AU · Jun 2, 2022

How can more people be on unemployment benefits than before COVID, with fewer unemployed Australians? Here's how

So low is Australia’s unemployment rate, the official count says there are now just 580,300 people unemployed – the least since 2009, when Australia’s population was one-sixth smaller than it is today. Compared to just before the start of the pandemic, 184,800 fewer Australians are now unemployed.

The Conversation · Apr 26, 2022

Labor says the Coalition has a plan to expand the cashless debit card to age pensioners. Is there any evidence?

From humble beginnings, a campaign driven by Labor MPs has grown, implying the Coalition has a plan to expand the cashless debit card to age pensioners. Is there any evidence, or is it a scare campaign?

ABC News · Mar 23, 2022

An Alleged Job Agent Appears To Tell A JobSeeker It’s His ‘Own Fault’ He’s Unemployed In Video

The Department of Social Services is investigating the "alleged conduct" by an alleged job agent towards a JobSeeker in the video.

Pedestrian.tv · Feb 24, 2022

Public servants accused in Senate estimates of misleading parliament over $1.7m contract for welfare research

Guardian Australia sought the research from the Department of Social Services under FOI laws but it mostly remains secret

The Guardian - AU · Feb 17, 2022