Welfare reform

The state government has committed to work with the federal government, Cape York Institute and local leaders on welfare reforms in 5 Cape York communities: Aurukun, Hope Vale, Coen, Mossman Gorge and Doomadgee.

The welfare reform program aims to:

• restore social norms and local authority
• change behaviours in response to chronic levels of welfare dependency, social dysfunction and economic exclusion
• provide alcohol and treatment support, improved educational opportunities, better health services, economic development and income management support

Welfare reform is linked to the alcohol reforms.

The Parliament passed the Family Responsibilities Commission Act 2008, which established the Family Responsibilities Commission.

Cape York Welfare Reform Consultation Report

In May 2011 the Queensland Government decided to undertake consultation with key stakeholders involved in the Cape York Welfare Reform Trial, which currently operates in the communities of Aurukun, Coen, Hope Vale and Mossman Gorge.

The purpose of the consultation was seek people’s views on how the Trial was being implemented, what outcomes were being achieved, and whether the government should consider extending the Trial for an additional year, to conclude at the end of December 2012.

The consultation report (available for download top right of this page) outlines the feedback received by the consultation team.