Politicians take time to assist young families

Parents and children who attend a weekly playgroup at Kwinana’s Frank Konecny Centre were paid a special visit last Wednesday by Human Services Minister Jan McLucas and Brand MHR Gary Gray.

The playgroup is run by Ngala to deliver the Federal Government’s Nurturing and Parenting Program for Youth to young mothers in the city.

Ms McLucas said the program was aimed at giving young parents confidence by helping them with parenting skills.

“Investing in these young people means giving them a chance to become more independent and able to support their family’s health and wellbeing,” she said. “There is great feedback coming out of this program from the participants.

“Parents are connecting more with their children and they have a positive outlook for the future.”

Earlier in the day, Ms McLucas and Mr Gray visited Rockingham Centrelink to launch the Government’s Express Plus Families app.

The pair met with parents who were applying for the Government’s paid parental leave scheme.

“The purpose of our families app is to provide the service that families are looking for in a timely way,” Ms McLucas said.

She said the app meant parents did not have to visit a Centrelink site to access its services.

“Particularly for families, when just having a baby, your focus should be on the baby,” she said.

“Having to think about all these other forms should not be what your priority should be, so being able to use your phone to do your business has been fantastic.”

Baldivis mother Jennel Benjamin, who is expecting her second child next month, said she found the online service quick and easy.

Mr Gray said once a baby was born, the app allowed parents to submit the details required from the comfort of their home so Centrelink could complete their paid parental leave scheme application.