The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

11.4.1.10 Background of the VWPR Measure

Background

The VWPR Measure is for people who are vulnerable to factors including financial hardship, economic abuse or financial exploitation and homelessness/risk of homelessness. From 1 July 2013, the Measure was extended to young people on the unreasonable to live at home rate of payment, SpB or those leaving custody.

The VWPR Measure is an income management measure introduced in 2010 by the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Welfare Reform and Reinstatement of Racial Discrimination Act) Act 2010 (the 'Amendment Act'). The NTER income management measure, which applied only in prescribed areas in the NT, was brought to an end by the Amendment Act, and the new model of income management was established to target people at high risk of social isolation and disengagement, people with poor financial literacy and people who participate in risky behaviours.

On 1 July 2012, the VWPR Measure was introduced to the 5 place-based income management trial sites. On 1 October 2012, the VWPR Measure was introduced in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, and on 15 April 2013 this measure of income management was also introduced to the Ngaanyatjarraku Shire, the Laverton Shire and Kiwirrkurra Community in WA. This was followed by VWPR Measure being introduced in Ceduna in SA on 1 July 2014.

Ceduna subsequently moved onto the CDC program on 1 December 2014. With the ending of the CDC program, individuals residing in the Ceduna area are able to voluntarily enter the enhanced income management regime (Part 12).

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