CDSMAC - Media Releases

7 November 2008 Ministerial Conference on Ageing Communique
Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers responsible for the care of older Australians together with the Australian Local Government Association met today in Melbourne at the second Ministerial Conference on Ageing. The meeting was chaired by Minister for Senior Victorians Lisa Neville and coincided with a meeting of the Community and Disability Services Ministers Council The conference discussed the issue of transitional care places for older Australians to assist them to retain their independence after a hospital stay.

7 November 2008 CDSMC Communique
Ministers met in Melbourne today to discuss improved outcomes for people with a disability, their families and carers, child protection and the National Compact with the Not-For-Profit Sector.

23 July 2008 Conference Communique
At the meeting in Canberra today, Ministers agreed to establish a new National Disability Reform Agenda that will place people with a disability and their families and carers at the centre of services across Australia. Ministers also agreed to develop a national framework for protecting Australia's children and to improve the sharing of information in relation to families and children at risk and to continue to work together to support COAG's early childhood development agenda.

25 July 2007 Conference Communique
At the meeting in Sydney, Ministers discussed a range of national issues including child protection, families and disability services

25 July 2007 Conference Communique - new workforce issues website
Community and Disability Services Ministers yesterday launched a new website aimed at helping to address attraction and retention of staff in the community services sector.

26 July 2006 Conference Communique
Ministers met in Brisbane today to discuss a range of matters concerning people with disabilities, families and issues to do with the provision of children's services and child protection.

27 July 2005 Conference Communique
Community and Disability Services Ministers from across Australia and New Zealand discussed issues ranging from the protection of children to the provision of disability services in remote communities

26 November 2004 Conference Communique
Ministers discussed a range of important initiatives in their areas of responsibility including supported accommodation, support for families, and disability issues.

30 July 2003 Conference Communique
Ministers endorsed a major reform agenda for people with disabilities and disability services and gave their support to the establishment of a National Child Sex Offender Register for convicted offenders as a critical child protection measure

1 November 2002 Conference Communique
Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers agreed to develop a National Plan for Foster Carers and Children. This is the first time Ministers have met specifically to discuss issues around foster care and developing a national approach.

1 March 2002 Joint Conference Communique
Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers progressed discussions on a third Commonwealth State/Territory Disability Agreement and a range of other policy issues.

26 July 2000 Conference Communique
Community Services Ministers from both New Zealand and Australia met to discuss issues affecting community and families in both countries. Australian Community Services Ministers agreed on a united approach to tackle family violence in Indigenous Communities.

8 April 1999 Conference Communique
Commonwealth and State Community Services Ministers discussed the National Evaluation of the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) and future responses to meeting the needs of people who are homeless and those who are at risk of homelessness.