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.

12.1.3 Roles & responsibilities for administering the enhanced income management regime

Summary

DSS and Services Australia both have a role in relation to the enhanced income management regime, with different responsibilities flowing from that role. There are also financial institutions with a role and responsibilities in administering the enhanced income management regime.

DSS role & responsibilities

DSS is responsible for:

  • policy for the enhanced income management regime
  • community engagement, and
  • liaison with states and territories.

Services Australia responsibilities

Services Australia is responsible for:

  • identification of eligible individuals
  • qualified and unqualified portion of welfare payments
  • payment of Rent Deduction Scheme and Centrepay deductions
  • client front of house services, and
  • contract management with financial institutions.

Financial institution responsibilities

The financial institution is responsible for:

  • establishing and holding a BasicsCard bank account (12.2.1) for each individual
  • producing debit cards, including replacement cards, for Services Australia
  • back-end functions including services necessary for the debit card to be accepted by merchants and for merchants to be paid, and
  • providing transaction information to Services Australia.

Last reviewed: