Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

As Senator Siewert implies in her question, it is recognised that the Forrest review is a watershed moment in Indigenous affairs, and provides a strong framework for Indigenous reform. Many Indigenous leaders—as is well known—have supported the call for reform, including people like Marcia Langton and Noel Pearson and members of the Prime Minister's Indigenous Advisory Council.

Public consultations on the review—including town hall style meetings and roundtables with key stakeholders—have taken place around the nation. The government is considering future directions for the current income management program in light of the Forrest review and the review of Australia's welfare system.

The findings of evaluation reports on various trials of income management are expected to be finalised in coming months and will feed into the next steps. The government will look at options to streamline the program and improve effectiveness, including opportunities provided by emerging card technologies. The government is very committed to helping stabilise the finances and lives of the most vulnerable families and to reducing social dysfunction where it exists in some communities.

The government also announced in the budget that income management will continue in a number of existing trial sites until 30 June 2015 as well as being rolled out to the Ceduna region of South Australia for a one-year trial following positive community consultations.

There are currently over 25,000 people on income management in locations across Australia. I can indicate that evaluations have shown that income management has had positive impacts in meeting priority needs, reducing financial harassment and promoting socially responsible behaviour.