News & Events - 2008 

The inaugural Families in Australia report launched 24 Dec 2008

Reforms to the Community Development Employment Projects program from 1 Jul 2009

The Australian Government has lodged its latest report to the United Nations on its implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women

A report from the recent National Rural Women's Summit featuring over 100 recommendations and a communiqué is now available

This discussion paper invites contributions and feedback on solutions for effectively managing native title agreements between Indigenous Australians, government and the resource industry.

The department is calling for applications from experienced service providers to apply for funding to establish and deliver an Intensive Support Playgroup in Halls Creek (WA) under the Expansion of Playgroups for Indigenous Families (EPIF) initiative

Occasional Paper no. 22 'Engaging fathers in child and family services: participation, perceptions and good practice' has been released

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat has produced a communications package consisting of two booklets and accompanying posters for Pacific Island parliamentarians, with assistance from the Office for Women.

Feedback is now available from consultations by the National Council to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children

This report details the Department's achievements against criteria; environment, people and finance, but importantly also details the work that needs to be done to ensure we continue to meet our commitment to sustainability

Information sessions on the Financial Management Resource Support Units in remote and regional locations in Northern Territory and Western Australia were held in November 2008

Funding of up to $500,000 per year across five metropolitan areas to further expand individual advocacy support for people with disability

The report Physical Activity in Mid‑Age and Older Australian Women, which showed that physical activity reduced healthcare costs for mid-age and older women

The Minister for the Status of Women, outlined her plan and vision for the future of equality in Australia in a speech to the Sydney Institute on 6 November 2008

Social Policy Research Paper No. 37, Factors associated with relationship dissolution of Australian families with children, has been released

The Productivity Commission's draft inquiry report, Paid Parental Leave: Support for Parents with Newborn Children, was released on 29 September 2008

Funding is available for the delivery of Commonwealth Financial Counselling and Financial Management Resource Support Unit Services for the remainder of the 2008-09 financial year

The department is calling for applicants under the Expansion of Playgroups for Indigenous Families (EPIF) initiative

The Department's 2007-2008 Annual Report has been released

Funding available for Early Intervention Service delivery and Post Separation Cooperative Parenting services

Social Policy Research Paper No. 36, How well are Australian infants and children aged 4 to 5 years doing? has been released

Women, Domestic and Family Violence and Homelessness: A Synthesis Report, was released by the Minister for the Status of Women

On 17 September, the Prime Minister announced the Government will provide $2 million to commission a national survey of community attitudes relating to violence against women

On 17 September 2008 the Prime Minister gave a speech about the need to change the attitudes of future generations of Australians towards violence against women

A Social Security Agreement between Australia and Finland was signed on 10 September 2008, to come into force 1 July 2009

The first round of Expressions of Interest for the Housing Affordability Fund were announced on Monday 15 September 2008

Outcomes of public consultations held during May and June 2008 on the Green Paper

The National Council to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children received 352 submissions on the development of the draft National Plan

Occasional Paper No. 21, Inquiry into the cost of living pressures on older Australians, has been released.

This report revealed many mature Australian women were uncertain about their retirement due to a lack of confidence in their financial future

278 new supported employment places for people with a disability

$15 million for Broadband for Seniors, to be delivered over 2008-09 to 2010-11

A comprehensive review of the pension system as part of the Government's broader review of Australia's Future Tax System

The Child Support Scheme and parts of family assistance have changed to better balance the interests of both parents and be more focused on the needs and costs of children

The Social Inclusion Agenda is a whole-of-government approach to addressing disadvantage and reducing social exclusion by building capacity in communities and disadvantaged groups

The National Rental Affordability Scheme (the Scheme) first call for Applications

The Trafficking of Women for Sexual Purposes report is now available

Australian Social Policy no. 7 and FaHCSIA Research News issue 31 are available

$190 million for the Helping Children with Autism package

Extension of time for public responses to inform the development of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and Children.

Social Policy Research Paper No. 35, Marriage breakdown in Australia: social correlates, gender and initiator status, has been released.

The Parenting and families in Australia paper has been released

$15 million for Broadband for Seniors

Invitation to tender for the provision of case management services.

The Northern Territory Emergency Response Taskforce's Final Report to Government

Release of the Northern Territory Emergency Response - One Year On publication

The National Rural Women’s Summit was held in Canberra, 27, 28 June 2008. The theme was strengthening the voice of rural women.

Twenty-two national women’s non-government organisations will share in $2.1 million in grant funding as part of this year’s Women's Leadership and Development Programme (WLDP).

A call for Public Responses to Inform the Development of the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and Children

Consultation on the Possible Accession of Australia to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women

Seeking submissions and comments to assist in finalising the design of the Housing Affordability Fund program.

Announcement of the members of the National Council to Reduce Violence Against Women and Children

A national framework for protecting Australia's children - a discussion paper for consultation, May 2008

A national framework for protecting Australia's children

Release of the Government's Green Paper, 'Which Way Home? A New Approach to Homelessness'

The inaugural Business Service Excellence Awards were open for nominations from May 2008

2008-09 Women’s Budget Statement highlights measures in the Budget that will assist women and their families

The report of an inquiry into Special Disability Trusts is due by 18 September 2008

In the 2008-09 Budget, the Australian Government committed to an $822 million package for carers to increase support and recognition of their vital economic and social role in the community

13th Annual Meeting of the Women Leaders’ Network, Arequipa City, Peru

An inquiry into how to better support the needs of carers who look after those with disability, severe medical condition or frailty.

Call for Expressions of Interest for the Extra Support for Children with Disability Program

On 23 April 2008 the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services announced the Disability Investment Group to explore innovative funding ideas for the private sector that will help people with disability and their families

National Families Week 2008 will be held between 11-17 May 2008.

Development of a Business Continuity Kit for Non-Government Organisations

Service providers to deliver round one stage two of the Mental Health National Respite Development Program

Stories on 'growing up' from Indigenous people in the ACT metro/Queanbeyan region paper released.

Lessons learnt about strengthening Indigenous families and communities report released

From 20 March 2008, people who receive Disability Support Pension will benefit from increased and more regular financial support.

Social Policy Research Paper No. 32, 33 and FaHCSIA Research News issue 30 have been released

The Government's approach to improving housing affordability for Australians

The Review conducted from March to November 2007 by an independent Taskforce

The list of Early Intervention Service preferred providers is now available

Congratulations to the men, women and youth selected for the 2008 National Indigenous Leadership program