Media Release
Centrelink to boost social work services for Halls Creek
29 August 2007
Senator the Hon Chris Ellison, Minister for Human Services and Senator for Western Australia, today visited Halls Creek to speak with community members as well as local organisations and businesses.
“As a result of my last visit in July this year with Barry Haase, the Member for Kalgoorlie, I am able to announce the introduction of a new permanent social worker position based at the Halls Creek Centrelink Remote Area Service Centre.
“The social worker will be able to provide counseling and support to Halls Creek residents with difficult personal or family issues and provide information about, or refer customers to, community support services.
“The service will be provided free-of-charge to all residents, with people having the choice to meet with the social worker face-to-face or to talk to them anonymously over the phone.”
In the Kimberley region more than 30 prosecutions for sexual violence related offences have been established since April 2007.
Senator Ellison said that it was important that the emotional as well as the physical affects of this abuse are addressed.
“The ability to access a range of support services will be a key component in helping the Halls Creek community move forward,” Senator Ellison said.
“During my visit to Halls Creek this year a number of issues were raised and the appointment of this social worker will assist in meeting some of those issues as well as the development of further assistance.
“The Centrelink social worker will act as a focal point in the region for Centrelink’s response to the recently announced welfare reforms as well as the emerging crisis associated with the neglect and abuse of children within the community.
“The announcement of the introduction of income management for parents will mean that Government assistance provided to parents to assist with the costs of raising their children can be directed to that purpose.
“The social worker will work closely with other Australian Government staff on the ground, including the Indigenous Coordination Centre, to ensure services within the community are operating to potential and to help inform Government as what further can be done.
“Obviously more work needs to be done, and we are working with the Western Australian Government in this regard,” Senator Ellison said.
The Australian Government is committed to providing practical assistance to children in communities that have been touched by neglect or abuse.
Media Contact: Michael Barrett – (02) 6277 7200 or 0419 424 359