Page 1480 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 14 May 2014
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The key measure that the program is working is the number of women who now feel they are close to being work ready and who in the longer term have been able to re-enter the workforce. Survey data for the two reporting periods indicate that, for survey respondents, almost two-thirds had returned to work in a full or part-time capacity after receiving a return to work grant, and a second survey showed an even higher success rate.
This is a positive outcome. This is this government helping women and putting real action into place, unlike what we saw last night—a diminishing of support which will have a disproportionate effect on women in our community.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Dr Bourke.
DR BOURKE: Minister, what work is the government’s Women’s Information Service undertaking following its recent move?
MS BURCH: I thank Dr Bourke for his interest. The Women’s Information Service, previously known as the Women’s Information and Referral Centre, has been relocated to the North Building on London Circuit. Women’s information continues to provide phone and face-to-face information and support for women in the ACT, along with a range of personal development courses and a domestic violence support group.
Women’s information will work in collaboration with community organisations to deliver courses and support groups throughout 2014. Women’s information also provides an online directory for women wanting to connect with local women’s services and support groups and produces the publication What’s on for Women, which is a calendar of women-specific courses and support groups across Canberra.
In addition to providing information and support from one central location, the transition of the service to the new model also means that provision of support will be provided in community locations to improve access for women and girls who may not have ready access to the city.
Outreach locations will include the child and family centres and the Housing ACT gateway, with planning well underway to establish a permanent presence across all of these locations in the second half of this year. The return to work coordinator is already providing outreach at the Housing ACT gateway one day per week.
This transition will involve greater partnerships with community-based centres, such as the child and family centres, and with community organisations best placed to deliver training and support for these women in the ACT.
It is worth noting that one of these child and family centres has clearly been earmarked in last night’s budget. There will be no funding to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. So the child and family centre at Belconnen will be without a significant source of funding, courtesy of the Liberal Party of Australia.
Ms Gallagher: I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.
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