ACOSS welcomes new Centerlink legislation for the disadvantaged

Vulnerable clients will be able to choose to have their income support payments paid weekly instead of fortnightly.

Clare Martin, CEO of the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) welcomed the change.

“Homeless people in particular can struggle to maintain a budget and often operate on a day-to-day basis rather than in fortnightly cycles. Giving people a choice to receive payments weekly will empower them to take control of their finances, minimise hardship and prevent people from slipping into homelessness.”

“The Government is delivering on a promise made in its homelessness strategy, The Road Home, to make weekly payments available to reduce the need for urgent payments and help customers budget.”

This initiative relates to the Australian Government’s $7.5 million pilot program to provide Australians currently excluded from mainstream banks and services with access to fair and appropriate financial products.

Clare Martin at the Third Sector Women’s Networking Lunch

Clare Martin will discuss her decision to join the not-for-profit sector and how she managed the transition from political life at the Third Sector Women’s Networking Lunch.

The Lunch will take place on Tuesday 16 March at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The event will bring together the women of the not-for-profit sector from professional and industry associations, member benefit organisations, community groups, advocacy groups, charities and foundations to celebrate International Women’s Day.

All profits from the event will be donated to the International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA), an Australian not-for-profit that has been creating positive change for women and their communities in the Asia Pacific region for over 20 years.

To learn more about the lunch and to register visit