Explanatory Memorandum
Circulated By the Authority of the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Hon Jenny Macklin MPOUTLINE
The Bill contains one 2010 Budget measure and several non-Budget measures, as described below.
Special disability trusts
The Bill introduces a 2010 Budget measure that amends the special disability trust provisions in the social security and veterans' entitlements legislation to widen the appeal of the provisions. The amendments relax the purpose and work capacity tests in relation to these trusts, and give trustees greater flexibility to meet costs relating to the beneficiary's health, wellbeing, recreation, independence and social inclusion.
Residence required to qualify for disability support pension
An ongoing requirement for residence in Australia will be introduced for disability support pension, bringing the pension into line with other workforce age payments.
Family tax benefit
Amendments are made to ensure that students studying overseas full-time are treated for family tax benefit purposes in the same way as full-time students undertaking Australian study.
Pension reform measures
The Bill makes amendments to address two minor anomalies arising from the pension reform legislation enacted in 2009.
Minor corrections
Minor amendments are made to reinsert an unintentionally omitted reference in the social security confidentiality provisions, and to make two technical corrections.
Financial impact statement
Special disability trusts
Total resourcing
| 2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.4 m | $0.1 m | $0.2 m | $0.3 m |
Residence required to qualify for disability support pension
Total change in resourcing (FaHCSIA and Centrelink)
| 2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.4 m | - $2.6 m | - $2.9 m | - $3.3 m |
The remaining measures in this Bill have no financial impact.