Minister Scullion: ILC-IBA reviewer announced

The Australian Government will ask Ceduna residents to have their say on whether they think income management in their region would benefit their community.

Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, is in Ceduna today along with Member for Grey, Rowan Ramsey and Liberal Senator for South Australia, Anne Ruston, and announced that consultations would begin early next year in Ceduna, Koonibba, Scotdesco, Yalata and Oak Valley.

“Community leaders and members in this area have asked for income management to be introduced as part of their plans to tackle alcohol misuse, gambling, child safety issues, and humbugging,” Senator Scullion said.

“A study by Ninti One Ltd shows that people from Ceduna, Oak Valley, Scotdesco, Koonibba, Yalata and have a strong appreciation of the benefits that can flow to communities from income management.

“Many participants felt it would help reduce spending on alcohol, gambling and tobacco, and help direct spending to essential needs, such as food, clothing, rent and utility bills.

“The study shows people believed it would help improve diet and health, ensure children are better looked after, increase family stability, and improve people’s ability to work and secure an education or training.

“Consultations conducted by colleague, the Minister for Social Services, Kevin Andrew’s department, will ensure people in these communities understand how income management works and allow them to put forward their views.”

The Minister said the high levels of disadvantage in Ceduna, Koonibba, Scotdesco, Yalata and Oak Valley is comparable to other areas where income management operates.

“Income management is making a positive difference to individuals and families in other areas, such as the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands, Laverton and the Ngaanyatjarra Lands, where the vast majority of participants have volunteered for income management,” Senator Scullion.

“Consultations in these communities in South Australia will help the Government determine whether income management would also be appropriate for the Ceduna region, and if so, which model would be best suit.

“As well as including local community members, the consultations will include elders, traditional owners, members of the West Coast Alcohol and Substance Misuse Action Group, Ceduna District Council, the State Government, and the South Australian Guardianship Board.”

Under income management, people work with Centrelink to direct a portion of their welfare payment to pay for food, rent, utilities, clothing, medical care and school items. Income managed money cannot be spent on alcohol, tobacco, pornography or gambling.