Not enough to live on
I currently am on Newstart and have been for three years after sustaining an injury. Centrelink say that although I have lower limb disablement, I can do 15 hrs work, therefore I cannot receive disability pension. It is very difficult to find appropriate employment, therefore once I have paid weekly rent of $270, I am left with $50 which covers minimal food, and bills, just forget it, it's not that I don't want to pay them, there is no money left from my newstart.
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Of course Newstart desperately needs to be increased.
L. Innes, Sanctuary Point
Privacy concerns
Recently I came across a flyer for My Community Project. It came with some concern as I read down through the words to find that I would need a MyServiceNSW Account and my Medicare Card - to prove that I lived on the South Coast.
After speaking with the person who's project it was, and unable to obtain a suitable explanation, I wrote to the Mayor, Amanda Finlay who did respond saying that this matter had arisen in another group discussion, but suggested I write the Shelley Hancock, which I did.
Ms Hancock did actually take the time to send a message to me: My Community Project grants are governed by the Department of Premier and Cabinet, and that she has "made representation to the Premier seeking her advice on the issue you have raised".
IDs such as Medicare cards, licences, passports, and so on, are personal and fall under the Privacy Act. I would never give out my Medicare or any other personal identification details. Furthermore I am surprised the state government would also ask for such.
These kinds of IDs are linked to all other areas through MyGov. Why would the state government ask for such IDs, and why would it allow the use of such wording in a leaflet?! Even more so, encourage unsuspecting individuals to give away their very personal and protected details? And guess what, the government made these Privacy Rules. Deeply concerned.
R. McGregor, Jervis Bay
Help to beat drugs
Amid ongoing concerning news about the health and social impacts of alcohol, methamphetamines, painkillers and ecstasy (to name just a few), it's important people know that free professional treatment for drug and alcohol dependence is available in the local community.
Odyssey House NSW runs ten community services programs around Sydney and the Southern Highlands, where clients attend group and individual counselling and educational sessions while going about their everyday lives.
We help people with needs ranging from early intervention to overcoming long-standing dependence through to relapse prevention and aftercare. We also assist people's families.
Odyssey House's programs help clients overcome drug use disorders, manage their mental health, deal with underlying personal issues, develop coping strategies and learn practical skills e.g. parenting, anger/conflict management, communication, relaxation.
We work with various agencies to support clients to find work, courses, housing and health/welfare services.
If necessary, we refer people to our withdrawal service or residential rehabilitation.
It's also important people know they don't have to "hit rock bottom" or be highly motivated before seeking help; our counsellors can assist people to develop motivation and engage in recovery.
We encourage anyone concerned about their own or someone else's drug use to contact Odyssey House on 1800 397 739.
Aletrnatively, visit www.odysseyhouse.com.au or the Alcohol and Drug Information Service's 24-hour help-line 1800 250 015.