1301.0 - Year Book Australia, 2008  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 07/02/2008   
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Contents >> Income and welfare >> Income and community support

INCOME AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Information in this section was contributed by the Australian Government Departments of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs; Veterans' Affairs; Health and Ageing; Education, Science and Training; and Employment and Workplace Relations.

The websites listed at the end of this chapter contain additional information about programs provided by the Australian Government.


Overview

Australian governments, at all levels, provide welfare support to the community through a range of programs. Programs have changed over time to meet ongoing changes in family structures, the labour market and the structural ageing of the population. Policies aim to encourage active social and economic participation by members of society within an individual's capacity, redress disadvantage by boosting self-reliance, and provide assistance to those who are unable to support themselves.

Early intervention, prevention and capacity building strengthen individuals, families and communities, increase workforce participation, and ultimately boost retirement incomes.

For Indigenous Australians, participation is about being able to access the opportunities in life that are enjoyed by most other Australians (see Overcoming Indigenous disadvantage). Different strategies are often needed for individual communities in urban, rural and remote areas.

For people of working age, policies aim to promote workforce participation and reduce welfare dependence. They emphasise the need for individuals to accept their responsibilities and obligations as part of their active participation in society.

For families, participation is facilitated by a strong child-care sector and assistance with the cost of child care. Family policies promote healthy relationships. Reforms, including those relating to child support and family breakdown, identify the responsibilities of both parents. Children and young people are encouraged to reach their potential and to participate with their families and community. Women's social and economic participation is supported by initiatives to improve safety, eliminate violence and encourage leadership.

For older Australians, participation is facilitated by adequate income in retirement. This is addressed through a combination of Age Pension and related non-cash benefits, compulsory superannuation and other private savings, including voluntary superannuation contributions and home ownership. Tax and superannuation changes create incentives for older people to continue participating in the workforce.

Frail older Australians and people with disability are encouraged to participate in community life and to access available community and residential care services appropriate to their assessed needs. For carers, there is government and community support available and recognition that caring can be emotionally and physically challenging.

For the veteran community, service is acknowledged through provision of income support, compensation and rehabilitation, care and commemoration programs.

For communities, engagement is encouraged through partnerships between individuals, families, business, government and welfare and charitable organisations. A strong community sector and high levels of volunteering provide opportunities for individuals to participate in their communities and to engage and support others.

A number of organisations are involved in service delivery. Centrelink delivers services to over 6.5 million customers on behalf of 25 policy agencies. The Family Assistance Office enables families to obtain their family payments in one place, the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) delivers services to the veteran community and the tax system delivers Family Tax Benefits (FTBs), rebates and offsets.

Australia's responses to economic and social change occur within the context of a federal system that has significant redistributive elements and is underpinned by access to core services including health, education and community services, as well as a strong safety net of income support payments. Responses occur in a complex global environment, where individuals may live, work and accrue entitlements in more than one country and international social security agreements share responsibility to close gaps in their social security coverage.
Income support

The largest component of welfare is the income support provided by the Australian Government. Over 4.2 million people, or more than one in five individuals, are direct beneficiaries of income support payments at any one time.

Australia's income support system has undergone significant reform in recent years. Welfare reform aims to reduce welfare dependency and promote workforce participation, including part-time employment complemented by ongoing access to some income support. Broadly, the reforms aim to deliver payments to those who are most disadvantaged while encouraging those who can work to do so.

Expenditure on the main income support payments and benefits are listed in table 9.9.

9.9 EXPENDITURE ON MAJOR INCOME SUPPORT PAYMENTS AND BENEFITS(a)(b)

2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07
$'000
$'000
$'000
$'000

FAMILIES AND CHILDREN

Family assistance
Family Tax Benefit - Centrelink payments(c)
12 869 904
12 826 730
13 534 246
14 042 785
Family Assistance Legislative Amendment (More Help for Families - 'One-off' payments)
2 222 990
. .
. .
. .
Family Assistance Scheme
. .
174 362
22 697
2 310
Maternity Allowance(d)
180 063
20 053
. .
13
Maternity Immunisation Allowance
43 193
43 280
49 843
56 234
Maternity Payment
. .
726 814
855 039
1 161 616
Double Orphan Pension
2 165
2 389
2 669
2 835
Child care
Child Care Benefit
1 387 946
1 462 670
1 501 287
1 478 333
Jobs Education and Training (JET) Child Care
12 880
17 215
21 658
43 035
Child Care Tax Rebate
. .
. .
. .
450 734

CARERS

Carer Payment(e)
921 008
1 062 101
1 220 828
1 408 052
Carer Allowance(e)
965 430
1 109 346
1 258 397
1 349 030

SENIORS(f)

Age Pension
19 540 401
19 970 348
20 588 124
22 598 475
Aged Persons Savings Bonus
13
-28
4
2
'One-off' Payment to Seniors
-5
. .
. .
. .
Self-Funded Retirees' Supplementary Bonus
169
56
23
21
Telephone Allowance for Commonwealth Seniors Health Card Holders
12 251
13 388
18 591
11 867
Utilities Allowance(e)
. .
68 667
288 109
146 821
Seniors Concession Allowance(e)
. .
57 967
93 420
225 781
Widow Class B Pension
26 275
8 064
6 491
3 689
Wife Pension (Age)
194 176
179 017
173 127
160 810
Wife Pension (DSP)
326 083
290 125
258 497
233 633

SPECIAL BENEFIT AND BEREAVEMENT

Special Benefit
113 141
98 772
75 042
67 153
Bereavement Allowance
1 075
1 065
1 079
1 421

WORKING AGE

Newstart Allowance
4 754 733
4 627 413
4 527 720
4 493 978
Parenting Payment
5 995 135
6 127 018
6 048 303
5 913 090
Mature Age Allowance
372 523
258 898
162 667
87 831
Partner Allowance
860 462
703 894
599 088
522 075
Widow Allowance
469 276
477 552
492 836
505 342
Pensioner Education Supplement
72 139
78 985
78 550
73 489
Disability Support Pension
7 492 532
7 910 767
8 256 566
8 651 399
Mobility Allowance
82 163
85 562
95 872
106 371
Sickness Allowance
85 375
89 407
85 415
85 191

YOUTH AND STUDENTS

Youth Allowance(g)
2 257 447
2 174 177
2 101 265
2 073 725
Austudy
258 848
227 059
217 765
217 540
ABSTUDY
161 129
150 403
154 973
155 603

VETERANS

Income Support Program
Service Pension
2 535 576
2 503 390
2 495 893
2 573 461
Income Support Supplement
294 949
313 035
328 315
336 823
Compensation Program
Disability Support Pension (DSP)
1 288 539
1 304 662
1 327 420
1 346 949
War Widow(er)/Orphan Pensions
1 445 065
1 501 728
1 542 538
1 588 732

ALL MAJOR INCOME SUPPORT PAYMENTS AND BENEFITS

Total(h)
67 245 049
66 666 351
68 484 357
72 176 249

. . not applicable
(a) Outlays on pensions, allowances and Family Tax Benefits include expenditure on Commonwealth Rent Assistance. Details of rent assistance are included in the Housing chapter.
(b) Negative values are recoveries from previous years.
(c) This does not include payments made by the Australian Taxation Office.
(d) Payments of Maternity Allowance ceased in 2004-05, as they were replaced by the Maternity Payment.
(e) Includes 'one-off' bonus payments in all years for Carer payments, and in 2005-06 for Utilities and Seniors Concession Allowances.
(f) Pharmaceutical Allowance and Remote Area Allowance have not been added as expenditure for these items cannot be separately identified.
(g) Youth Allowance is composed of an allowance for full-time students administered by the Department of Education, Science and Training and an allowance for the part-time students and unemployed which is administered by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
(h) Total is for the above programs only and does not include some minor income support payments.
Source: Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs; Department of Employment and Workplace Relations; Department of Veterans' Affairs; Department of Health and Ageing.

Details of the maximum rates for major income support payments are listed in table 9.10.

9.10 Maximum fortnightly rates for main Income Support payments(a) -
20 March to 30 June 2007

$

Austudy (single, no children)
348.10
Carer Allowance
98.50
Disability Pension (DVA)
General Rate
318.70
Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA)
487.20
Intermediate Rate
594.80
Special Rate (TPI)
869.40
FTB Part A (for 1 child <13 years)(b)
140.84
FTB Part B (youngest child <5 years)(b)
120.96
Newstart (single, no children)
424.30
Pensions (single)(c)
525.10
Parenting Payment Partnered
382.80
Rent Assistance (single with 3 or more children)
138.18
War Widow's Pension (DVA)
550.10
Youth Allowance (18 years and over, at home)
229.10
Child Care Benefit-approved care (non-school age, one child)
2.96/hr

(a) Not a complete list of Income Support payments. Rates for couples are not included.
(b) FTB supplement is not included.
(c) Maximum rate for age pension, disability support pension, parenting payment (sole parents) and service pension.
Source: Centrelink, 'A Guide to Australian Government Payments, 20 March - 30 June 2007'.


Seniors

Australia's approach for retirement incomes combines an affordable basis for generating retirement incomes with targeted support for those who most need assistance.
  • The Age Pension provides a publicly funded minimum level of income in retirement, which is not based on past contributions or previous earnings.
  • Under the Superannuation Guarantee, compulsory employer superannuation contributions of 9% of earnings provide a framework for retirement savings.
  • Voluntary superannuation saving and other forms of savings and investment, typically the most significant being the home, enhance retirement savings.

As periods out of the workforce, and earlier retirement, can reduce an individual's capacity to save, retirement income policies encourage the retention of older people in the workforce. Policies include raising women's age pension age, raising the minimum age for accessing superannuation benefits, incentives for individuals and families to augment superannuation savings and postpone drawing down, and incentives for workers to stay in the workforce beyond the age pension age. Other initiatives aim to reduce the barriers that mature age people face in continuing working, even though they may be willing and able to do so.

Age Pension is the main form of income support for seniors. Men qualify for Age Pension at 65 years. Women's qualifying age is progressively rising from 60 to 65 years. Women qualify at 63.5 years on 1 July 2007 and will qualify at 65 by 2014. Wife Pension and Widow B Pension closed to new claimants in the 1990s, as these dependency-based payments are at odds with active participation by women of workforce age.

Nearly 80% of seniors receive Age Pension or the equivalent service pension. Age Pension is indexed in line with increases in the cost of living as measured by the Consumer Price Index, and the maximum single rate of pension is set to at least 25% of Male Average Weekly Earnings. An individual's rate of pension is determined by their income and assets, and from 20 September 2007 the assets test taper rate was halved, allowing many people to receive some pension for the first time.

Age Pension rules encourage pensioners to supplement their income through earnings, while the Pension Bonus Scheme provides incentive for individuals to defer claiming Age Pension while they remain in the workforce. Retirees whose income is too high may be eligible for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.

The number of Age Pensioners and the expenditure on Age Pensions is shown in table 9.11.
9.11 AGE PENSIONERS(a)

2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07

Males no.
761 025
782 977
800 310
815 912
Females no.
1 115 225
1 132 059
1 121 819
1 136 774
Persons no.
1 876 250
1 915 036
1 922 129
1 952 686
Total payments $'000
19 540 401
19 970 348
20 588 124
22 598 475

(a) Numbers are for June and include age pension recipients paid by Department of Veterans' Affairs.
Source: Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.



Aged care

Aged care policies aim to help people to remain healthy and able to participate in their community. One in four people aged 70 years and over makes some use of aged care. While most remain in their own home and use community care, one in ten uses a residential care facility. In 2007, the Australian Government announced a $1.6 billion (b) package of aged care reforms.

Assessment for aged care

Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs) ensure that access to aged care services is based on care needs. Individuals must be assessed as eligible and approved by an ACAT before their care can be subsidised by the Australian Government. In 2006-07 the Australian Government provided $64.8m to state and territory governments for the operation of 115 ACATs, as well as an evaluation unit in each state.

Places and funding

Aged care places are allocated in proportion to the number of people aged 70 years and older. Allocation takes account of people with special needs, including people from Indigenous communities. Table 9.12 shows the number of operational aged care places at 30 June in each of the years from 2003 to 2007. There were 213,504 operational aged care places at 30 June 2007, equating to a ratio of 109.3 places per 1,000 people aged 70 years or older. There were 236,748 places allocated at 30 June 2007. The Australian Government's expenditure on aged care in 2006-07 was $7.7b (this includes expenditure by the DVA on residential aged care).
9.12 OPERATIONAL AGED CARE PLACES(a)

2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07

Transition care
. .
. .
595
1 594
Community care(b)
29 779
32 588
38 492
42 316
Residential care
156 056
161 165
165 782
169 594
Total
185 835
193 753
204 869
213 504

. . not applicable
(a) As at 30 June; includes flexible care places attributed as residential or community care.
(b) Includes Community Aged Care Packages and, from 2003-04, Extended Aged Care at Home Packages.
Source: Department of Health and Ageing.


Transition care

The Transition Care Program is a jointly funded program that assists older people when they are discharged from hospital. Services include therapy, social work, case management, nursing support and/or personal care. The program helps older people who would otherwise be eligible for residential care to complete their restorative process and optimise their functional capacity, while assisting them and their family or carer to make long-term care arrangements. Transition care can be provided in either a home-like residential setting or in the community.

Care in the community

Most older people want to remain in their own homes as long as possible - close to family and friends, and the shops, churches and activities with which they are familiar. Community care maximises their independence and assists them and their families and carers where necessary through practical support. Assistance with activities of daily life may include, for example, shopping, bathing, dressing, cooking, cleaning, gardening and home maintenance. Three main programs provide care to people in their own homes.
  • Home and Community Care (HACC) is a joint government initiative to assist frail aged people, people with disability and carers. HACC services assist people with lower levels of care needs than those who receive residential care or community care packages. Total Australian, state and territory funding for 2006-07 was $1.5b.
  • Community Aged Care Packages (CACPs) provide low level care in the home for frail older people who have complex care needs requiring planning and case management. The 2007-08 Budget has allocated $17.5m for an extra 7,200 community care places.
  • Extended Aged Care at Home (EACH) assists frail aged people with complex care needs to stay in their own homes as an alternative to high-level residential care. Typically the packages include some nursing services. EACH-D packages assist people with dementia to remain longer in the community.

Other aged care programs use flexible, or more targeted, approaches. These include multipurpose services in rural and remote areas, services provided through the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Strategy, and targeted initiatives to meet particular needs, such as dementia, incontinence, or loss of hearing or vision.

Table 9.13 shows Australian Government expenditure on selected aged care programs.

9.13 EXPENDITURE FOR SELECTED AGED CARE PROGRAMS

2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07
$'000
$'000
$'000
$'000

Community care programs
Home and Community Care (HACC) Program
732.8
791.9
857.8
928.4
Community Aged Care Packages (CACP) Program
308.6
327.8
356.6
404.9
Extended Aged Care at Home (EACH) Program
15.4
33.3
66.5
103.9
Extended Aged Care at Home - Dementia (EACH-D) Program
. .
. .
. .
25.1
Other aged care programs
Age Care Assessment
47.1
51.6
55.6
64.8
Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged (ACHA) Program
2.7
2.7
2.7
2.7
National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP)
99.7
99.3
138.7
166.9
Commonwealth Carelink Program (CCP)
13.9
13.9
16.4
16.3
Dementia Specific Programs(a)
8.8
9.7
22.9
29.6
Day Therapy Centres
31.6
32.5
33.2
33.9
National Continence Management Strategy (NCMS)
8.7
5.5
3.5
2.6

. . not applicable
(a) Excludes EACH-D and national dementia initiatives funded under NRCP.
Source: Department of Health and Ageing.

Residential aged care

The Department of Health and Ageing subsidises and regulates residential care for frail older people. Most residential care is provided by the non-government sector, including not-for-profit and private sector providers. Targeted capital assistance is available to aged-care homes catering largely for residents with special needs or on low incomes, or located in rural and remote areas of Australia. A more detailed description is found in Housing assistance in the Housing chapter.


Veterans, members of the Australian Defence Force and their families

The Government supports those who serve or have served in defence of Australia by providing compensation and income support entitlements, delivering health care and rehabilitation services, and fulfilling Australia's commitment to remember and honour them.

Compensation payments

Compensation is paid to veterans, their war widow(er)s and their dependants for the effects of war-caused injury or disease resulting from eligible war or defence service. Injuries or diseases must have been caused or aggravated by war service or certain defence service on behalf of Australia. Rates depend on incapacity and lifestyle.
  • General Rate Disability Pension is payable to a veteran as compensation for the impairment and lifestyle effects of war or defence service.
  • Extreme Disablement Adjustment is payable to a severely incapacitated veteran who has reached 65 years of age and is not eligible to receive the Special or Intermediate Rate.
  • Intermediate Rate Pension is payable to a veteran who is only able to undertake part-time or intermittent employment up to 20 hours per week.
  • Special (Totally and Permanently Incapacitated) Rate Pension is payable to a veteran who is prevented from working more than eight hours per week.

Table 9.14 shows the number of pensioners by type and total expenditure on disability and war widow(er)s' pensions.
9.14 DISABILITY AND WAR WIDOW(ER)S’ PENSIONERS(a)

Recipient
2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07

Incapacitated veterans no.
154 602
150 615
145 546
139 727
General Rate - from 10% to 100% no.
110 577
106 139
101 399
96 174
Extreme Disablement Adjustment no.
14 603
14 723
14 259
13 582
Intermediate Rate no.
973
967
933
917
Special Rate (TPI or equivalent) no.
28 449
28 786
28 955
29 054
Wives and widows(b) no.
39 399
35 878
32 666
29 627
Children no.
206
170
131
91
War widows and widowers(c) no.
114 418
114 239
112 882
110 590
Orphans no.
270
239
222
198
Other dependants no.
555
539
517
500
Total(d) no.
307 514
299 774
290 089
278 927
Total expenditure(e) $'000
2 733 604
2 806 389
2 869 958
2 935 681

(a) Number of customers in June.
(b) Wives of incapacitated veterans and widows of deceased veterans who have not died from an accepted war-caused condition.
(c) Widows and widowers of deceased veterans who have died from an accepted war-caused condition.
(d) The totals do not equal the sum of the components due to overlaps.
(e) Includes associated allowances.
Source: Department of Veterans’ Affairs.


The Veterans' Children Education Scheme provides financial help, guidance and counselling to certain students up to 25 years of age. At June 2007, there were 4,222 beneficiaries. Total expenditure in 2006-07 was $17.7m.

Military compensation

The DVA is responsible for providing benefits through the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRCA) (Cwlth) for injuries and diseases related to service prior to 1 July 2004 and through the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) (Cwlth). Table 9.15 summarises activities under these Acts for 2006-07.

9.15 MILITARY COMPENSATION AND REHABILITATION SERVICE, Activities - 2006-07

SRCA no.(a)
MRCA no.(b)

Total lump sum and incapacity payees for 12 months ended 30 June (incl. dependent children)
2 982
405
New primary injury claims received
3 130
2 113
New permanent impairment claims received
3 571
906
New rehabilitation referrals received
659
272
New reconsideration requests received
1 101
185
New applications made to the AAT(c)
279
18
All accounts paid (incl. medical household services and attendant care)
107 782
12 534

(a) Benefits paid through the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRCA) (Cwlth).
(b) Benefits paid through the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) (Cwlth).
(c) Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
Source: Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Income support

There are several income support pensions payable to veterans and their dependants.
  • Age Service Pension (ASP) is payable to male veterans with qualifying service at 60 years of age. ASP is similar to the Age Pension, but is granted five years earlier. The minimum age at which a female veteran can be granted ASP is progressively rising from 55 to 60 years in six-monthly increments every two years over the period 1995-2013.
  • Invalidity Service Pension is payable to veterans with qualifying service if they are permanently incapacitated for work.
  • Partner Service Pension is payable on the basis that the person is the partner or widow(er) of a veteran with qualifying service.
  • Income Support Supplement (ISS) is payable to war or defence widow(er)s of ASP age. ISS may be paid to a widow(er) under ASP age who has a dependent child, is caring for a severely handicapped person or is permanently incapacitated for work.

All recipients of income support payments are eligible for supplementary benefits including the Defence Force Income Support Allowance, Rent Assistance, Remote Area Allowance, Utilities Allowance, Seniors Concession Allowance and Bereavement Payment.

The Defence Service Homes Scheme provides financial benefits, including housing loan interest subsidies, comprehensive home owners insurance cover at competitive rates, and home contents insurance. At 30 June 2007, 86,938 homes were insured. The number of loan accounts was 32,812 and the amount of subsidy paid was $6.2m.

Table 9.16 shows the total number of recipients and annual expenditure on service pensions.

9.16 SERVICE PENSIONERS(a)

2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07

Veterans
Old age no.
119 803
111 491
103 273
94 903
Permanently incapacitated no.
18 854
19 160
19 121
18 742
Tuberculosis(b) no.
83
68
64
53
Total no.
138 740
130 719
122 458
113 698
Wives and widows no.
114 011
108 598
103 110
96 864
Total no.
252 751
239 317
225 568
210 562
Total expenditure(c) $'000
2 830 518
2 816 425
2 824 208
2 910 284

(a) Number of customers in June.
(b) Eligibility on these grounds ceased on 2 November 1978.
(c) Includes associated allowances.
Source: Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Health program

Health care treatment is provided to people whose disabilities have been accepted by DVA as service-related, and for pulmonary tuberculosis, post-traumatic stress disorder and malignant neoplasia whether they are service-related or not. Vietnam veterans with anxiety and depression and Gulf War veterans with undiagnosable conditions are also eligible for health care treatment whether the conditions are service-related or not.

The Vietnam Veterans' Counselling Service (VVCS) provides counselling to veterans of all conflicts and their families, as well as working with the ex-service community to promote understanding and acceptance of veterans' problems. Table 9.17 shows use of the VVCS.

9.17 VIETNAM VETERANS’ COUNSELLING SERVICE

Type of counselling
2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07

Centre-based consultation visits
27 550
23 864
23 400
23 136
Group session consultation hours
13 709
13 140
12 050
9 621
Country outreach consultation visits
39 518
41 178
38 839
36 090

Source: Department of Veterans’ Affairs.


In addition, and subject to conditions, health care treatment in Australia is provided to certain veterans of Australia's defence forces for all health conditions. War widow(er)s and certain other dependants of deceased veterans are also entitled to treatment for all conditions.

Other services include vocational rehabilitation services, acute hospital care, dental and pharmaceutical assistance and transport assistance.
People of working age

Working-age payments

Newstart Allowance, Parenting Payment, and Youth Allowance are the main payments available to people of working-age. They provide income support to jobseekers including those with a partial capacity to work due to disability or child caring responsibilities for children of school age, students, those doing voluntary work, or those caring for very young children. From July 2006 working-age payment policies changed to focus more on increasing workforce participation and reducing welfare dependency, through a balance of improved services, increased financial incentives, and appropriate obligations.

In return for financial support, working-age people with a capacity to work are expected to participate in the paid workforce, or demonstrate that they are looking for work or undertaking activities to improve their employment prospects, such as further study, training or approved voluntary work. Participation requirements are reduced for those with a limited work capacity due to disability or caring for school-age children.

Parents with school-age children are required to look for or undertake paid work for a minimum of 15 hours a week, or undertake another approved activity. Parents have access to extensive employment services and child-care assistance to enable workforce participation. Requirements for people with disability emphasise what people can do rather than what they can not do, and ensure they participate in the workforce as far as they are capable. Employment assistance and vocational rehabilitation services help people with disability find and retain work. Long-term unemployed jobseekers are eligible for extra help to find employment, including Wage Assist.

Other workforce age payments include Mature Age Allowance and Partner Allowance (both of which are closed to new claimants), and Widow Allowance. Recipients of these three payments do not have participation requirements; however Job Network services are available to them should they wish to get help to find work. Also available are:
  • Special Benefit, which provides assistance to people in severe financial need and for whom no other pension or allowance is available,
  • Bereavement Allowance, which is a short-term payment for people without dependent children whose partner has recently died, and
  • Sickness Allowance which may be paid to people aged between 21 years and Age Pension age who are temporarily unable to work or continue with their full-time study due to illness or injury, but who have a job or study to return to.
Working-age payments are supplemented by add-ons: Pensioner Education Supplement is paid to certain recipients who are studying; Education Entry Payment is paid to a person who starts studying; and Employment Entry Payment is paid to a person who starts paid work.

Table 9.18 shows the number of Newstart Allowance, Parenting Payment and other working-age allowances recipients, together with expenditure on these allowances.

9.18 WORKING AGE ALLOWANCES(a)(b)

2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07

Newstart Allowance
Short-term (less than 12 months)
Males no.
128 530
123 340
120 479
104 439
Females no.
60 155
57 777
53 730
55 764
Persons no.
188 685
181 117
174 209
160 203
Long-term (12 months and over)
Males no.
196 006
176 314
167 686
158 344
Females no.
98 402
96 183
96 665
99 246
Persons no.
294 408
272 497
264 351
257 590
Total payments $'000
4 754 733
4 627 413
4 527 720
4 493 978
Parenting Payment
Single
Males no.
34 866
34 436
32 463
25 677
Females no.
414 446
414 130
400 907
369 818
Persons no.
449 312
448 566
433 370
395 495
Total payments $'000
4 657 296
4 847 856
4 818 425
4 696 298
Partnered
Persons no.
177 157
167 260
159 719
144 427
Total payments $'000
1 337 839
1 279 162
1 229 878
1 216 792
Mature Age Allowance
Recipients no.
32 905
20 877
12 038
5 032
Total payments $'000
372 523
258 898
162 667
87 831
Partner Allowance
Recipients no.
90 930
71 615
60 489
45 988
Total payments $'000
860 462
703 894
599 088
522 075
Widow Allowance
Recipients no.
45 315
44 329
44 603
40 247
Total payments $'000
469 276
477 552
492 836
505 342
Sickness Allowance
Recipients no.
8 478
8 367
7 510
7 624
Total payments $'000
85 375
89 407
85 415
85 191
Pensioner Education Supplement
Recipients no.
50 445
52 093
53 646
47 362
Total payments $'000
72 139
78 985
78 550
73 489

(a) Number of customers in June.
(b) The number of Newstart, Mature Age, Partner and Widow Allowance customers in this table excludes Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) participants. CDEP participants receive a CDEP scheme payment and may be eligible for the CDEP Scheme Participant Supplement and certain social security 'add-ons', such as Commonwealth Rent Assistance and Pharmaceutical Allowance. However, the basic rate of these labour market allowances is not payable to CDEP scheme participants, hence their exclusion from the customer numbers data.
Source: Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.


People with disability

Services and assistance are available to help people with disability, and their families and carers, to participate actively in community and economic life, access a responsive and sustainable safety net, and develop their capabilities.

Disability support payments

Disability Support Pension (DSP) is an income support payment for people with physical, intellectual or psychiatric impairment assessed as unable to work at least 15 hours a week independently of support. DSP recipients are not required to participate in the workforce, but are encouraged to engage with employment services and look for work that matches their assessed capacity.

DSP is income and assets tested. However, recipients who are permanently blind are exempt from the income and assets tests. DSP for people aged 21 years and over is paid at the same rate as Age Pension. Youth rates apply to those aged under 21 years. These are largely tied to Youth Allowance rates, but include a supplement in recognition of the additional costs faced by people with disabilities. DSP youth rates are not subject to parental income or assets tests.

In addition, Mobility Allowance helps those involved in paid work, employment services, vocational training or voluntary work or a combination of these, who are unable to use public transport without substantial assistance.

Table 9.19 shows the number of recipients of support for people with a disability, and expenditure by payment type.

9.19 SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY(a)

2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07

Disability Support Pension
Males no.
418 829
420 073
415 618
413 033
Females no.
277 913
286 709
296 545
301 123
Persons no.
696 742
706 782
712 163
714 156
Total payments $'000
7 492 532
7 910 767
8 256 566
8 651 399
Mobility Allowance
Recipients no.
46 847
49 215
51 669
54 942
Total payments $'000
82 163
85 562
95 872
106 371

(a) Number of customers in June.
Source: Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

Commonwealth State Territory Disability Agreement (CSTDA)

Under the CSTDA, the Australian Government is responsible for specialist disability employment assistance, while the states and territories have primary responsibility for specialist services such as supported accommodation, respite care and community support.

Commonwealth Disability Assistance Package

On 28 June 2007, the Australian Government announced a new Disability Assistance Package which delivers $1.8b in new funding over five years from 1 July 2007. The package includes:
  • support for older carers to plan the long-term care of their children with disabilities including extra help to continue caring in their own home
  • a new accommodation service for the mature-aged children of older carers who are no longer able to continue caring for their children with disabilities
  • an annual payment of $1,000 to families caring for children with disabilities
  • enhancements to the disability business services, including extra places to help people with disability find jobs, and
  • an inquiry into barriers to greater private sector involvement in disability accommodation.

Younger People with Disability in Residential Aged Care

Younger people's social and emotional needs differ to those of seniors and it is preferable for them to be accommodated in age-appropriate care. In March 2006 there were 6,500 people aged less than 65 years with disability in residential aged care, including 1,000 people aged under 50 years. From July 2006, the Australian Government and states and territories are providing new, matched funding of up to $244m over five years for age-appropriate care for younger people with disability who are currently in residential aged care. The program will focus first on people aged less than 50 years in residential aged care.

Other disability support

The Commonwealth Disability Strategy requires Australian Government organisations to remove any barriers that prevent access to policies, programs and services, so that people with disability gain the same access to buildings, services, information, employment, education, sport and recreational activities as everyone else in the community. The Disability Employment Assistance Program assists people who have an impairment that is likely to be permanent and results in the need for ongoing support in employment. Rehabilitation services provide support to improve function and independence in people with a disability so they can gain or retain suitable employment, or live independently. Participation of people with a disability is supported through programs that provide postal concessions for the blind, print disability services, advocacy, the Auslan Interpreter Booking and Payment Service and conference funding.Mental health

In February 2006, Australian leaders committed to reform the mental health system. The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) National Action Plan on Mental Health 2006-2011 emphasises collaboration between sectors to deliver a more connected care system. Initiatives valued at $4b are being implemented over five years. Reforms contribute to the wellbeing of people with mental illness, their families and communities.

The Plan aims to improve mental health and facilitate recovery through a greater focus on promotion, prevention and early intervention; improved access to mental health services, including in Indigenous and rural communities; more stable accommodation; and meaningful participation in recreational, social, employment and other activities. Improving the care system will involve a focus on better coordinated care and building workforce capacity.


Carers

Carers are a major source of assistance to people in the community who are unable to care adequately for themselves. This assistance helps many people remain at home but it can be reliant on the availability of family and friends to perform the caring role. While caring for someone can be rewarding, it is also physically and emotionally demanding. Carers may need to leave the paid workforce, work shorter hours or have more flexible working arrangements. They may need financial and other support to enable them to participate economically and socially. Nearly 2.6 million Australians are carers and the demand for more carers can be expected to increase as the population ages.

Income support

There are two main forms of financial support for carers. Carer Payment provides income support to people who, due to the demands of their caring role, are unable to support themselves through substantial workforce participation. Carer Allowance is a supplementary payment available to people who provide daily care and attention in a private home for an adult or child with a disability, severe medical condition, or who are frail aged. In 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, a Carer Bonus of $1,000 was paid to Carer Payment recipients and $600 for recipients of Carer Allowance for each eligible care receiver.

Table 9.20 shows the number of recipients and expenditure on support for carers.
9.20 SUPPORT FOR CARERS(a)

2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07

Carer Payment
Recipients no.
84 082
95 446
105 058
116 614
Total payments(b) $'000
921 008
1 062 101
1 220 828
1 408 052
Carer Allowance
Recipients no.
297 607
340 005
366 960
393 263
Total payments(b) $'000
965 430
1 109 346
1 258 397
1 349 030

(a) Numbers in June.
(b) Includes 'one-off' bonus payments in all years.
Source: Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.


Carer services and assistance

The Australian Government funds services for carers, including respite services, Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres, practical and financial support, and services delivered through the HACC Program. Other non-financial assistance to carers include special measures for young carers, assistance to parents with disabled children and projects to address the impacts of long-term caring.


Youth and students

Income support

Youth Allowance supports young people aged 16-20 years actively seeking employment and full-time students aged 16-24 years. It is subject to a personal income and assets test. If the young person is not independent, then parental income, family assets, and family actual means tests also apply. The rate of payment depends on age and circumstances.

Austudy payment is paid to students 25 years and over who would not be able to study full time without financial help. An individual income and assets test applies. ABSTUDY payment is paid to students of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent who are studying an approved course at an approved educational institution and who are not receiving other government assistance for study.

FTB may be available to help families with the cost of raising a young person who is not receiving Youth Allowance or a similar payment. It may be payable for a young person up to 21 years of age, or aged between 21 and 24 years who is studying full time.

Table 9.21 shows the number of recipients and expenditure on youth and student support.
9.21 YOUTH AND STUDENT SUPPORT(a)

2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07

Youth Allowance (YA)
Full-time students no.
297 140
285 383
274 050
266 383
Other(b) no.
84 665
79 573
75 186
68 698
Total YA population no.
381 805
364 956
349 236
335 081
Payments - Full-time students $'000
na
1 670 733
1 565 670
1 591 434
Payments - Other $'000
na
503 444
535 595
482 291
Total YA payments $'000
2 257 447
2 174 177
2 101 265
2 073 725
Austudy
Recipients no.
35 026
31 174
28 836
29 016
Total payments $'000
258 848
227 059
217 765
217 540
ABSTUDY
Recipients(c) no.
55 478
54 693
54 214
54 278
Total payments $'000
161 129
150 403
154 973
155 603

na not available
(a) Number of customers in June.
(b) Jobseekers and part-time students - including those undertaking full-time training/agreement study.
(c) Recipient numbers for ABSTUDY are reported on a whole of calendar year basis.
Source: Department of Education, Science and Training, and Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
Note: Australian Apprentices became eligible for income support from 1 July 2005 and are included in the above figures.


Youth services and support

Young jobseekers can receive assistance in finding employment through Job Network. All young people aged 15-20 years not in full-time education and who are registered with Centrelink as looking for work can access the full range of Job Network services, whether they receive income support or not. Across Australia there are currently 15 Job Network youth specialists. As soon as they commence with Job Network, all young jobseekers aged 15-24 years are able to undertake Job Search Training to gain assistance in interview skills and resume preparation.

The Work for the Dole program provides useful work experience and increases young people's confidence. For the year 2006, 43.8% of participants aged under 20 years were in paid employment and/or education or training three months after leaving Work for the Dole. Similarly, Green Corps, a youth development and environmental training program, provides young people aged 17-20 years (including those not receiving income support) with the opportunity to volunteer to conserve, preserve and restore Australia's natural environment and cultural heritage.

Programs are available to help disengaged and disadvantaged young people to improve their level of engagement with their families and community to overcome barriers to participation. These programs include Reconnect, Newly Arrived Youth Support Service, Mentor Marketplace, YouthLinx, Transition to Independent Living Allowance, and Strengthening and Supporting Families Coping with Illicit Drug Use.
Families

Families form the basic unit of home life for most Australian people. The level of family assistance provided by the Australian Government has increased significantly over recent years. Payments to assist families include FTB, Child Care Benefit and the Maternity Payment, with the highest rates of payment going to low-income families.

Family payments

Family assistance policies assist with the costs of raising children, including newborns, in ways that recognise the needs and choices of single and dual income families.

FTB Part A helps families with the cost of raising dependent children. It is paid to eligible families with dependent children up to 21 years, and young people between 21 and 24 years who are studying full time. Payments are made for each dependent child who is not receiving Youth Allowance or a similar payment. FTB Part A is subject to a family income test and provides access to supplementary payments, including Rent Assistance, Large Family Supplement and Multiple Birth Allowance. There is also a supplement payable after the end of the financial year.

FTB Part B provides extra assistance for families with only one main income earner and for sole-parent families. Payment to a family is based on the age of the youngest child, and is assessed on the income of the family's second income earner. It is paid per family, not per dependent child. Families must have at least one dependent child aged under 16 years, or aged 16-18 years who is studying full time. The child must not be receiving Youth Allowance or similar payment. FTB Part B has a higher rate of payment where the youngest child is under five years of age. There is also an end of year supplement.

FTB payments are paid through the Family Assistance Office or the tax system. As at the end of June 2007, approximately 1.8 million families with 3.4 million children received FTB Part A, and 1.4 million families received FTB Part B via fortnightly payments from the Family Assistance Office.

Maternity Payment (re-named Baby Bonus from 1 July 2007) is a one-off lump sum payment made to families following the birth (including still birth) or adoption of a baby up to the age of two years. Maternity Payment recognises the extra costs incurred at the time of a new birth or the adoption of a very young child and is not income tested.

Other payments to families include Maternity Immunisation Allowance and Double Orphan Pension.

Table 9.22 shows the number of recipients and expenditure on family assistance.
9.22 FAMILY ASSISTANCE

2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07

Family Tax Benefit
Family Assistance Office
Recipients(a)
Part A - fortnightly instalments(b) no.
1 809 122
1 828 495
1 811 826
1 769 091
Part B - fortnightly instalments(b) no.
1 205 760
1 396 918
1 372 693
1 376 917
Lump sum payments(c) no.
63 946
77 070
56 865
na
Claims lodged with ATO but to be paid by the FAO no.
12 083
11 406
9 759
8 262
Total payments (Part A and Part B)(d) $’000
12 869 904
12 826 730
13 534 246
14 042 785
Australian Taxation Office
Recipients(a)(e)
Paid on assessment no.
99 075
117 722
134 535
145 276
Payments
Paid on assessment(e) $’000
243 493
345 000
444 000
489 000
Reconciliation credits(d) $’000
257 466
820 000
1 289 000
1 478 000
Family Assistance Legislative Amendment (More Help for Families - one-off payments) $’000
2 222 990
. .
. .
. .
Family Assistance Scheme $’000
. .
174 362
22 697
2 130
Maternity Payment
Recipients no.
. .
235 371
268 751
286 770
Payments(f) $’000
. .
726 814
855 039
1 161 616
Maternity Allowance
Recipients no.
209 218
22 292
. .
. .
Payments(f) $’000
180 063
20 053
. .
. .
Maternity Immunisation Allowance
Recipients no.
203 658
200 343
219 775
223 567
Payments(f) $’000
43 193
43 280
49 843
56 234
Double Orphan Pension
Recipients no.
1 151
1 286
1 312
1 330
Payments(f) $’000
2 165
2 389
2 669
2 835

. . not applicable
na not available
(a) Recipients who claimed assistance using more than one payment method for the year are included in each category.
(b) This provides a count of the customers eligible for payment at the time of data extraction (in June of the relevant tax year). It does not show all the customers who are eligible throughout the course of the year.
(c) Figures for lump sum payments refer to payments made in the relevant tax year ending 30 June for the FTB entitlement for the previous year.
(d) This refers to payments to customers who received FTB via fortnightly instalment from the FAO but were paid top-ups by the ATO after they lodged their tax return and were reconciled. Reconciliation credits from the 2004-05 financial year also include FTB Part A supplement.
(e) Number of recipients and expenditure refer to FTB payments made by the ATO within the relevant financial year.
(f) Expenditure refers to total payments to end of June of the relevant tax year.
Source: Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.


Services for families

Services to support families and communities include:
  • family relationship services and parenting education programs
  • early intervention services to young people and families experiencing conflict
  • support for young adolescents and their families where the young people are at risk of destructive or self-destructive behaviours, and
  • policy advice, research and service management.

Children

Child Support Scheme

The Child Support Agency (CSA) manages the assessment, collection and enforcement of child support liabilities. It aims to ensure that parents continue to financially support their children after separation, according to their capacity. The total amount transferred between parents in 2005-06 was $2.6b. This includes child support assessed by CSA and transferred directly between parents, as well as child support assessed and collected by CSA. Child support associated with parents who elect to transfer payments privately amounted to $1.6b in 2005-06.

Assistance with child-care costs

Access to child care is vital for many families to enable them to participate effectively in the workforce. Child-care services include long day care, family day care, in home care, outside school hours care, vacation care, and occasional care. Flexible services that can combine various models of care are available to meet the needs of families in rural and remote areas.

There are two main forms of payment for child-care support.
  • Child Care Benefit (CCB) helps families with the cost of child care, and provides financial assistance that is proportionally higher for lower income families. Eligible families can have CCB paid directly to the approved child-care service to reduce their child-care fees. Alternatively, they can receive CCB as a lump sum at the end of the financial year.
  • Child Care Tax Rebate (CCTR) is a payment available to working families using approved child care for work, training or study purposes. Families can receive up to 30% of out-of-pocket child-care expenses up to an indexed maximum amount. For 2006-07 this amount was $4,211 per child.
From the 2006-07 financial year onwards, eligible families will be paid their CCTR through the Family Assistance Office at the end of each financial year, rather than through the tax system. This means that families who previously could not access the full benefit of the CCTR due to low or no tax liability will now be able to claim the full 30% rebate.

Jobs, Education and Training (JET) Child Care provides extra child-care assistance to parents on income support who wish to undertake study, work or job search activities to enter or re-enter the workforce.

Table 9.23 shows the number of recipients of and expenditure on child-care support.

9.23 CHILD CARE SUPPORT(a)

2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07

Child Care Benefit (CCB)
Approved service(a) no.
704 000
725 000
734 600
na
Registered services(b) no.
59 700
59 400
58 200
na
Payments $'000
1 387 946
1 462 670
1 501 287
1 478 333
Jobs Education and Training (JET) Child Care
Recipients(c) no.
10 299
15 176
18 188
18 364
Payments $'000
12 880
17 215
21 658
43 035

na not available
(a) Number of customers who used care over the financial year. Includes CCB paid to recipients as a reduction in service fees and potentially as a lump sum payment.
(b) CCB for registered care is paid at minimum rate.
(c) Number of customers assisted through JET.
Source: Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.


Child Care Services Support Program (CCSSP)

The CCSSP complements assistance provided to families through CCB. Funding to CCSSP is $298m for 2007-08. The program supports the provision of sustainable, quality child care and provides information to assist families to make informed decisions about child care. CCSSP helps to improve access for children and families with special and or additional needs. CCSSP funding targets assistance to areas where a service may not otherwise be viable. This ensures similar services in similar circumstances receive the same funding.

Child Care Management System (CCMS)

Over $73m has been invested to develop the CCMS to provide the best information on child care supply and usage. CCMS will be implemented progressively across child-care services from January 2008 through to 30 June 2009. CCMS will bring all approved child-care providers online to standardise and simplify the administration of CCB.
Communities

The strength of community functioning has a large impact on individual, family and community wellbeing. Voluntary work and the way people use their time can impact on strength of community functioning. All levels of government seek to support and strengthen communities through provision of services, either directly or by subsidising the activities of third parties.

Stronger Families and Communities Strategy

The Stronger Families and Communities Strategy is an Australian Government initiative giving families, their children and communities the opportunity to build a better future. The current Strategy (2004-09) has an appropriation of nearly $500m and is focused on early childhood initiatives and resources. The strategy includes the following components.
  • Communities for Children takes a collaborative approach in seeking to achieve better outcomes for children aged 0-5 years and their families. Key areas include early child and maternal health; early learning and care; child-friendly communities, supporting families and parents; and working together.
  • Early Childhood - Invest to Grow provides funding for early childhood programs and resources. Its aim is to contribute to improved outcomes for young children through prevention and early intervention and to build the Australian evidence base about what works in prevention and early intervention in early childhood.
  • Local Answers aims to strengthen disadvantaged communities by funding local, small-scale, time-limited projects that help communities to identify opportunities to develop skills, support children and families and foster proactive communities. Local Answers responds to the needs of the local community by using their knowledge and experience to develop effective, practical solutions. The Australian Government has allocated $137m for 2004-09 for Local Answers projects.
  • Volunteer Small Equipment Grants provide funding to not-for-profit community organisations to buy items to make the work of their volunteers safer, easier and more enjoyable. These grants recognise the valuable work that Australia's volunteers do in their local community. Since 2001 the Australian Government has provided more than $45m to over 21,000 community organisations. A further $81m has been committed to volunteer organisations over 2007 and the next four years.
  • Choice and Flexibility in Child Care provides in-home care for families unable to access existing child-care services (due to reasons such as working shift or non-standard hours, living in rural or remote regions, having three or more children under school age, or including a person with disability) and assists long day care centres to establish in rural and urban fringe areas of high unmet demand.

The Stronger Families and Communities Strategy also funds Growing up in Australia - The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children which will run over nine years to provide a national picture of children and their families.Communities in harmony

A number of government programs have been established to encourage greater social integration of communities. The National Action Plan aims to build social cohesion, harmony and security. The Living in Harmony program promotes community harmony and addresses issues of racial, religious and cultural intolerance within Australia. The Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaCSIA)'s 'Bringing Communities Together' works with different groups within the community.

Support for newly arrived migrants includes Newly Arrived Youth Support Services, Family Relationship Services for Humanitarian Entrants, Crisis Payment and child care inclusion programs.

The Family Community Network Initiative aims to enhance the capacity of communities and services to work together to address needs. It is administered by FaCSIA and is currently primarily focussed on supporting Indigenous communities participating in the COAG Indigenous Community Coordination Pilots around Australia.

Volunteering

Volunteering promotes social and economic participation and strengthens connections within communities. About one in three Australians aged 18 years and over reported they had done voluntary work in the 2006 General Social Survey, conducted by the ABS. Of those, 54% were female and 46% were male. Volunteering is supported through the Volunteer Small Equipment Grants, Volunteer Management Program and the National Volunteer Skills Centre. The peak body, Volunteering Australia (VA) works for outcomes that support volunteering and facilitates research. VA provides the GoVolunteer website for those interested in becoming a volunteer.

Rural and remote support and services

Many rural and regional communities face economic challenges, declining population, lack of development opportunities, or high levels of unemployment and social disadvantage. Initiatives have been introduced to support employment and economic security for rural families, and economic sustainability for rural communities. Financial assistance packages are available for farmers, businesses, Indigenous and rural communities. In addition, Remote Area Allowance provides extra help for people in remote areas and is paid fortnightly along with the relevant pension or payment. At June 2007, there were 56,100 recipients.

Severe drought has a profound impact on rural and regional communities, the environment and the broader Australian economy. Drought-affected farmers, rural communities and agriculture-dependent small businesses are being supported through income support, interest rate subsidies and free personal and financial counselling. Natural disasters

The Australian Government provides a coordinated approach to delivering recovery assistance in response to onshore and offshore disasters and critical incidents. While the primary role for protecting the community and property in response to domestic disasters rests with state and territory governments, the Australian Government supports the states and territories through programs and measures, including:
  • the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP)
  • Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements
  • assistance, when requested, under agreed national plans
  • implementation of the National Emergency Protocol, and
  • tailored whole-of-government assistance through the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Committee (AGDRC).

For an offshore disaster or critical incident involving Australians, the Australian Government may convene the Interdepartmental Emergency Taskforce, which will coordinate a whole-of-government approach for response and recovery. The AGDRC will coordinate additional recovery assistance which may be provided to Australians affected by such events.

The AGDRP is a flexible payment to assist Australians who have been adversely affected by major onshore or offshore disasters, which came into effect on 1 December 2006 (see Australian Government disaster assistance). The AGDRP was activated on seven occasions during 2006-07 in response to the bushfires in Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia, tropical cyclones Jacob and George in Western Australia and the storms and associated flooding in New South Wales and Victoria. By the end of 2006-07, $10.9m was paid under the AGDRP.



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