Lexi Webster
The Australian Government Department of Human Services, now known as Services Australia, is an executive agency responsible for delivering welfare, health insurance, and child support payments, as well as other support services, to eligible Australian citizens and permanent residents. The department was created in 2004 and has since undergone several name changes and restructures, with the most recent rebrand to Services Australia taking place in 2020. Services Australia supports fairness, opportunity, and choice for all Australians by providing a range of payments and services through programs like Centrelink, Medicare, and the Child Support Agency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Department of Human Services (DHS) |
| Other Names | Services Australia |
| Formation | 26 October 2004 |
| Type | Executive Agency of the Australian Government |
| Functions | Delivering welfare, health insurance, and child support payments and other support services to eligible Australian citizens and permanent residents |
| Services | Centrelink, Medicare, PBS, Child Support Agency |
| Head | Chief Executive Officer, currently David Hazlehurst |
| Reporting | Minister for Government Services, currently Katy Gallagher |
| Focus Areas | Children's wellbeing, disability, domestic violence, safety, screening services, youth justice, women, youth, volunteers |
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Services Australia
The Department of Human Services was created on 26 October 2004 to bring together a range of services, funding, and policy responsibilities to support fairness, opportunity, and choice for all South Australians. The department's programs and services aim to improve the wellbeing and safety of South Australians by promoting inclusion, independence, and community support.
On 29 May 2019, the department was renamed Services Australia and made an Executive Agency through machinery-of-government changes made by Prime Minister Scott Morrison following the 2019 federal election. The change came into effect on 1 February 2020, with the previous secretary, Renée Leon, being removed from her role. Amanda Cattermole served as the agency's acting secretary until her role was discontinued.
Eligible Australian citizens and permanent residents can access many of these services through a myGov account.
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Centrelink
For those entering retirement or requiring aged care, Centrelink provides payments and services to assist with these transitions. It also offers support to carers of older Australians. Centrelink provides financial support to the recently unemployed and those seeking work, as well as businesses, with additional assistance for income reporting and money management.
Students, apprentices, and those undertaking retraining can access Centrelink for financial support during their studies. Centrelink services are available online through myGov accounts, enabling users to manage their payments, details, and documents without the need for phone or in-person interactions.
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Medicare
Easyclaim was launched in 2006, allowing patients to pay the consultation fee to the medical practitioner, who would then send a message to Medicare to release the rebate amount to the patient's bank account. This has largely been replaced by the HICAPS (Health Insurance Claim at Point of Sale) system. From November 2025, the Australian Government will expand GP bulk billing incentives to all Medicare-eligible people and create a new incentive payment for practices that bulk bill every patient.
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Child Support Agency
The Child Support Agency is a part of Services Australia, which falls under the Department of Social Services. The Agency ensures that children of separated parents receive appropriate financial support. This is done through the Child Support Scheme, which has undergone major reviews, reforms, and updates since its inception.
The Child Support Scheme is delivered by Services Australia to separated parents and non-parent carers. Services Australia is also the decision-maker under child support law and is responsible for child support policy and legislation. The Scheme uses a formula to calculate the required child support payments, taking into account various factors. This formula is outlined in Australian law. Parents can apply for a change of assessment if they believe the calculated amount is unfair. Payments can be made privately or through Services Australia, which can collect and transfer payments on the parents' behalf.
To be eligible for a child support assessment, one must be the legal parent or non-parent carer of the child and meet the residence rules. The easiest way to apply for an assessment is online, and one can register for a myGov account to access government services, including child support. Services Australia provides multiple contact options for those with questions about child support or those needing to report a change in circumstances. They can also arrange a free interpreter if needed.
After an assessment, Services Australia may need to contact individuals from time to time about their child support. Individuals can request how and when they are contacted and can update their preferences by calling the Child Support Enquiry Line or by updating their online account. Services Australia values feedback and aims to improve its products and services based on user experiences.
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Community support
The Department of Human Services in Australia is responsible for providing a wide range of community support services to the public. These services aim to assist individuals and families in need, ensuring they have access to essential resources and opportunities to improve their quality of life.
One key area of community support is financial assistance. The department administers a range of payments and benefits to help those facing economic challenges. This includes welfare payments such as JobSeeker Payment, which provides income support to unemployed individuals seeking work, and Youth Allowance, designed to assist young people with living expenses during their studies or training. The department also offers financial support through concession cards, which provide discounts on essential services, as well as through various allowances and supplements tailored to specific needs, such as the Child Care Subsidy.
In addition to financial aid, addressing vulnerabilities within the community becomes a crucial aspect of the department's work. They provide crucial support services for seniors, ensuring they have access to necessary resources and opportunities to maintain their well-being. Additionally, the department assists people with disabilities, offering respite care, assistive technologies, and support for carers, ensuring they can access the necessary tools and assistance. Addressing pressing social issues, they also offer crisis accommodation and counselling for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or family violence, helping them to rebuild their lives.
The department's role in promoting community health and wellbeing is significant. They are involved in administering the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), providing funding and support for people with disabilities to access essential equipment and services. Furthermore, they oversee Medicare, Australia's universal health care system, ensuring coverage for medical services like doctor visits and hospital stays. Recognizing the importance of mental health, they facilitate access to mental health professionals and fund community-based programs, contributing to a holistic approach to healthcare.
Education and employment opportunities are also within the department's scope. They provide support for students from low-income backgrounds, offering scholarships and funding to promote educational attainment. Assisting job seekers, the department offers employment services and training programs, helping individuals develop employable skills. Initiatives like Jobactive and the Disability Employment Services program demonstrate their commitment to connecting people with employers and addressing specific challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in the job market.
In summary, the Department of Human Services plays a pivotal role in enhancing the lives of Australians through its comprehensive community support framework. By offering financial assistance, addressing vulnerabilities, supporting health and disability needs, and facilitating access to education and employment, the department acts as a safety net for those facing challenges. These services are designed to empower individuals and families, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities needed to build a brighter future and achieve their potential.
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Frequently asked questions
The Department of Human Services (DHS) is an agency of the Australian Government that delivers welfare, health insurance, and child support payments and services to eligible Australian citizens and permanent residents.
The DHS provides a range of services through Centrelink, Medicare, and the Child Support Agency. Centrelink delivers payments and services for older Australians, job seekers, families, students, Indigenous Australians, and migrants. Medicare looks after the health of Australians through programs such as the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the Australian Immunisation Register, and the Australian Organ Donor Register. The Child Support Agency provides financial and emotional support to separated parents for their children's wellbeing.
The purpose of the DHS is to enhance the lives of South Australians by promoting inclusion, independence, community support, and modern services. The department is dedicated to supporting fairness, opportunity, and choice for all South Australians by developing policies and programs that meet their needs.
