Screening for family violence

5.106 Screening for family violence by Centrelink is discussed in detail in Chapter 4. As discussed in that chapter, Centrelink relies on self-disclosure of family violence and does not appear to screen routinely for family violence.

Submissions and consultations

5.107 In the Social Security Issues Paper, the ALRC asked in what circumstances Centrelink staff should be required to inquire about the existence of family violence and whether application forms, correspondence and telephone prompts should directly seek information about family violence.^[97] Chapter 4 examines screening and information sharing generally. An issue of particular relevance to social security is when additional trigger points for screening should occur.

5.108 As discussed in Chapter 4, most stakeholders who responded to these questions supported the idea that Centrelink should screen for family violence.^[98] Those in support of screening recommended that screening should occur when commencing the application process,^[99] routinely,^[100] or in ‘all circumstances’.^[101] The CSMC also recommended that screening should occur ‘at other points in the system, such as when discussing Employment Pathways Plans’.^[102]

5.109 However, the Welfare Rights Centre Queensland submitted that ‘Routine screening is neither appropriate nor practicable’.^[103]

ALRC’s views

5.110 In addition to the proposals made in Chapter 4 for screening by Centrelink, the ALRC is interested in comment about what trigger points exist in the social security process for Centrelink to screen for family violence. The negotiation and revision of a person’s Employment Pathway Plan may be one such trigger point.