Tackling intergenerational disadvantage
Centrelink data show that more than 80 per cent of teenage parents have not attained Year 12 or an equivalent.
OECD data from 2007 indicates that 14.8 per cent of Australian children were living in jobless families, well above the OECD average of 8.7 per cent.
New opportunities with new responsibilities
The Government is committed to ensuring every Australian gets the chance to improve their prospects and knows what is required of them.
Teenage parents
New participation plans will be introduced from 1 January 2012 for teenage parents so they finish Year 12, or equivalent, and participate in activities that support their child's development. These new plans will focus on improving job readiness for parents and meeting their child's development needs as they grow. The changes will be trialled and evaluated with a view to rolling them out further.
Jobless families
Jobless families with children under 6 years old will be required to attend compulsory workshops and interviews from 1 July 2012. The parents will have access to additional services to meet their plans like childcare, family support and training.
These groups will benefit from new case coordination provided by Centrelink as part of the Government's Service Delivery Reforms.
