Department of Social Services (DSS)

World Children’s Day is a day of action for children around the globe. This year we’re celebrating every child’s right to play. We’re recognising our collective responsibility, as a community, to provide environments where children can thrive. As part of this commitment, we support services boosting access to playgroups and toy libraries. Through these services, children in Australia can learn, play and thrive. To learn more, visit https://lnkd.in/gpr__EAE #WorldChildrensDay

📢Have your say on the future of individual disability advocacy in Australia. Disability advocacy helps to defend the rights of people with disability. We know from the Disability Royal Commission that disability advocacy supports need to be easier to use and access. We want to hear from you about how we can make it better. We want to hear from: ✅people with disability ✅families, carers and supporters ✅advocates and service providers. Accessible formats like Easy Read and Auslan are available to support your participation. 📆The consultation is open until 16 January 2026. For more information, see the comments below. 👇  

Today marks the beginning of International Fraud Awareness Week. This year the focus is 'Preventing Fraud is a Team Effort - Don't Sit on the Sidelines.' Fraud damages trust, reputation and people. It is important to take action and prevent fraud from happening in the workplace. By working together, we can better understand emerging threats and safeguard our systems and services from harm. Visit www.counterfraud.gov.au for tools, guidance, and best practice approaches to prevent, detect and respond to fraud. #FraudAwarenessWeek #FraudPrevention #CounterFraud

Today marks the 16th anniversary of the National Apology to Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants. The apology acknowledges the suffering experienced by children who were placed in institutional or out-of-home ‘care’. Many endured neglect, abuse, and loss of family connections. Support is available for Forgotten Australians, Care Leavers and Former Child Migrants. To learn more or access support, visit: https://lnkd.in/gw2JXQsT.

Our Annual Report 2024-25 is now available. The Annual Report provides key information on what we as a department have delivered against our priorities in the 2024–25 financial year. It is a key corporate document to measure how we are delivering on our purpose. The report covers a range of topics, including our organisational structure, our governance practices and financial statements. To read the 2024-25 Annual Report visit: https://lnkd.in/gjvkNVpb

Inclusive Employment Australia is available to help employers hire and retain people with disability. Service providers take the time to understand each workplace - and tailor their support to match the person for the right role. They will support teams to apply workplace adjustments, so participants feel safe and happy at work. Providers will have access to resources and tools through the Centre for Inclusive Employment. The National Panel of Assessors program is now also available – helping workplaces to be accessible and people with disability to have the support they need at work. For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/gnNUeixt #InclusiveEmploymentAustralia #DisabilityEmploymentServices

The Australian Government has announced the selected design for the National Memorial for Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse. Located on Acton Peninsula in Canberra, the memorial will be a place of truth, reflection and healing. It will recognise the courage of survivors and will honour those who were lost. It will also help educate future generations about the lasting impacts of institutional child sexual abuse. Construction will commence in 2026. For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/gPHPqz6U.

Did you know there are 3 million unpaid carers in Australia? As an employer, you may already employ people who have carer responsibilities, or you will in the future. That’s why the Carer-Inclusive Workplace Initiative is so important. It helps organisations create workplaces that support carers—people who look after a family member or friend. A carer-inclusive workplace can:   ✅ keep staff longer  ✅ reduce staff absences   ✅ boost team morale and engagement. Get started with our free self-assessment tool. Answer 11 quick questions to:  ✅get a personalised report  ✅access helpful resources and advice.  When you’re carer-inclusive, you’ll receive a toolkit to show your support to staff, customers and community. It also helps you become an employer of choice. 

We are reforming support and services for families, children and young people. We are proposing a new, streamlined national program to replace 5 separate child and family programs. The change is built on feedback from organisations that support families and communities. Resources have been developed to help you have your say. To take a look – visit www.engage.dss.gov.au. 📅 Consultation closes 5 December 2025.

No to Violence is developing a National Directory of Services for people who use violence, or are at risk of using violence, to find and connect with the support they need. If your service works with people who use violence, No to Violence want to hear from you. Help spread the word – share this with your networks. Head to https://lnkd.in/gfv97Zum for the service eligibility criteria and Expression of Interest form.