20 September 2008

RUDD GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS SEPARATED FAMILIES IN REGIONAL AUSTRALIA

Attorney-General Robert McClelland today announced an open, competitive process to select community organisations to run 14 new Post Separation Cooperative Parenting services in regional Australia.

The new services will assist separated parents who are experiencing conflict to place their focus on the needs of their children. This is achieved through providing parents with group work sessions, counselling, and family support.

The new services are expected to open in July 2009 and will be located in:

  • NSW Bega, Nowra, Wagga Wagga;
  • VIC Ballarat, Bendigo, Mildura, Morwell;
  • QLD Ipswich, Mackay;
  • WA Geraldton;
  • SA Berri, Port Augusta;
  • TAS Devonport;
  • NT Alice Springs.

“The Rudd Government is committed to ensuring that separated families in regional Australia don’t miss out on the services provided to those in the city. The new programs will address an important area of need in local communities,” Mr McClelland said.

In addition to these services, the Government is also placing advertisements for a new provider to operate the Regional Family Dispute Resolution service in Broken Hill, and for a new provider to operate Early Intervention Services in Geelong.

Regional Family Dispute Resolution services help separating families resolve their disputes and improve their post separation relationships. The Early Intervention Service provides assistance to family members with relationship issues, through education, skills training and counselling.

Requests for Application for Funding will be advertised on 11 October 2008. Information about the selection processes and how to apply will be available at www.ag.gov.au/funding from 13 October 2008.

Media contact: Adam Sims 0419 480 224