Creation
The Department of Social Services [II] was established by Administrative Arrangement Orders of 18 Sept 2013 signed by the Governor General Quentin Bryce. The Department took over most of the functions of the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
Abolition
Functions and activities
The matters dealt with by the department include:
Income security and support policies and programmes for families with children, carers, the aged, people with disabilities and people in hardship
Income support policies for students and apprentices
Income support and participation policy for people of working age
Services for families with children, people with disabilities and carers
Community mental health
Community support services
Family relationship, Family and Children’s Support Services
Social housing, rent assistance and homelessness
Child support policy
Services to help people with disabilities obtain employment
Non-profit sector and volunteering
Services and payments relating to social security, child support, students, families, aged care and health programmes (excluding Health provider compliance)
Australian Hearing Services
Whole of government service delivery policy
Legislation administered
The Department administers the following legislation:
A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999, except to the extent administered by the Minister responsible for Education
A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999, except to the extent administered by the Minister responsible for Education
Australian Hearing Services Act 1991, except to the extent administered by the Minister responsible for Health
Budget Savings (Omnibus) Act 2016, insofar as it relates to Schedule 12, Part 2 and Schedule 21, Part 2, Item 38
Business Services Wage Assessment Tool Payment Scheme Act 2015
Business Services Wage Assessment Tool Payment Scheme Amendment Act 2016
Carer Recognition Act 2010
Charities Act 2013, except to the extent administered by the Treasurer
Child Support and Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (Budget and Other Measures) Act 2010
Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989
Child Support Legislation Amendment (Reform of the Child Support Scheme–New Formula and Other Measures) Act 2006, except to the extent administered by the Minister responsible for Education
Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988
Clean Energy (Household Assistance Amendments) Act 2011, Part 3 of Schedule 2
Data-matching Program (Assistance and Tax) Act 1990
Disability Services Act 1986
Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation (2006 Budget and Other Measures) Act 2006, except to the extent administered by the Minister responsible for Veterans’ Affairs
Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (Further 2008 Budget and Other Measures) Act 2008
Family Law Act 1975, section 111C and Part XIVA
Gambling Measures Act 2012
Household Stimulus Package Act (No. 2) 2009, except to the extent administered by the Minister responsible for Veterans’ Affairs or the Minister responsible for Agriculture
Human Services (Centrelink) Act 1997
Human Services (Medicare) Act 1973, except to the extent administered by the Minister responsible for Health
Marriage Act 1961, Part IA
National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013, except to the extent administered by the Treasurer
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Quality and Safeguards Commission and Other Measures) Act 2017
National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Act 2018
National Rental Affordability Scheme Act 2008
Not-for-profit Sector Freedom to Advocate Act 2013
Paid Parental Leave Act 2010
Social and Community Services Pay Equity Special Account Act 2012
Social Security Act 1991, except to the extent administered by the Minister responsible for Home Affairs or the Minister responsible for Employment or the Minister responsible for Indigenous Affairs
Social Security (Administration) Act 1999, except to the extent administered by the Minister responsible for Home Affairs or the Minister responsible for Employment or the Minister responsible for Indigenous Affairs
Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Economic Security Strategy) Act 2008, except to the extent administered by the Minister responsible for Veterans’ Affairs
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Seniors Supplement Cessation) Act 2015
Social Security (International Agreements) Act 1999
Social Services Legislation Amendment (No. 2) Act 2015
Student Assistance Act 1973
Supported Accommodation Assistance Act 1994
Tax Laws Amendment (Simplified Superannuation) Act 2007, Item 20 of Schedule 8, insofar as it relates to legislation administered by the Minister responsible for Social Services
Administrative structure
Ministers:
Hon Amanda Rishworth – Minister for Social Services
Hon Bill Shorten – Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Minister for Government Services
Hon Julie Collins – Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness
Hon Justine Collins – Assistant Minister for Social Services, Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence
Secretary:
Mr Ray Griggs
Historical agency address
Physical:
Tuggeranong Office Park
Soward Way (Cnr Athllon Drive)
Greenway ACT 2900
Mail:
PO Box 7576
Canberra Business Centre
ACT 2610