The Facts about Welfare Reform

Fact Sheet: What the Federal Government's proposed Welfare Reform means for Sole Parents at a glance


How to Campaign against these reforms

Campaign Kit  (As Prepared by Council of Single Mothers and their Children Victoria),
This provides lots of information and tips for campaigning against the reforms, including writing letters to politicians, contacting the media, and holding public events.

How to contact Federal Politicians

For a sample letter click here

Go to http://www.aph.gov.au/whoswho/index.htm and scroll down to find your House of Representatives Member of Parliament and your Senators

For a quick and easy way to register your protest, visit the ACOSS website http://www.acoss.org.au/ and follow their three step approach.


Cartoons to use on Publicity

These cartoons are drawn by Kenton Miller and can be freely used on all publicity. Please feel free to use these images – once the document is saved or opened simply right-click on the image/s you like, select Copy and then Paste into your own document.


Run your own Focus Group

This questionnaire can be used to compile data about the impact these reforms will have on sole parents. It does not take long to complete. Get a group of sole parents together, fill out the forms, collate the information and forward to the The Minister


NCSMC'S Response to The Government's Proposals

Guiding Principles and Safeguards

NCSMC’s Guiding Principles for further welfare reform affecting sole parents

Safeguards - NCSMC has recommended the Government adopt these safeguards to minimise the potential negative impacts of these reforms.


Press Releases

10/5/05 Work first approach leaves children last  – NCSMC’s response to Budget 2005/2006

12/4/05 Sole Parents Work Requirements to Keep Job Network Full - NCSMC Press release

31/3/05 When no worker is parenting, children miss out  - NCSMC Press Release responding to government’s proposed welfare reform.

22/2/05 - Children at Risk from Welfare Reform - NCSMC Press Release in response to Government’s proposal of “Work First, Welfare Second"


Spark Resource Centre’s Special Edition “Welfare to Work” Newsletter


More Resources to help in Campaigning

How to form a group by Kath Silard (PDF)

Effective interaction with the media by Dr Elspeth McInnes (link will open in new window)

Creating Change Link to page on Women's Safety after Separation Website that will provide more links to activism websites. (link will open in new window)

Lobbying Australia's Guide to Lobbying