www.raisinggrandchildren.com.au

Lobbying – and getting involved

While the support you need is very much on a practical and day-to-day level there is another level at which it may help to get involved. In situations where you feel you have little control over what is happening standing up for yourself and others often helps. There are grandparent groups involved in lobbying for better services – Van Kinship Care in NSW, GAGS in NSW and Queensland, GRANDPOWER in Tasmania. COTA (NSW) has been lobbying for grandparent services for over 10 years.

Grandparents raising grandchildren have rights:

The basic right is the provision of ongoing and equitable support and services specifically geared towards grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.

GRG NSW is lobbying:

To support and improve the quality of life for Grandparents who are raising their grandchildren through advocacy and the provision of consistent and reliable information and support services.

To raise awareness within the community and all levels of government regarding the social justice issues associated with the increasing demands on grandparents raising grandchildren.

For the fair and equitable treatment of grandparents who are raising grandchildren throughout Australia. Specifically, that grandparents are recognised at least at the same level as Foster Carers in NSW – with the same financial support and access to training.

If you want to make a difference you can join the many grandparents writing letters and lobbying state and federal politicians.

In terms of parliamentary responsibility Federal responsibility lies with:

Minister for Family and Community Services and Indigenous Affairs:

Hon Malcolm Brough
PO Box 6022
House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Tel: (02) 6277 7560
Fax: (02) 6273 4122
Email: Mal.Brough.MP@aph.gov.au

State responsibility lies with:

Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Youth:

Reba Meagher
Governor Macquarie Tower
1 Farrer Place
SYDNEY NSW 2000

Phone: (02) 9228 3555
Fax: (02) 9228 3585
Email: reba.office@meagher.minister.nsw.gov.au

Note: When contacting a Minister via email, please ensure your postal address and contact details are included on all correspondence.

Your local member of parliament is another person to approach. If you are uncertain as to the name of your local member you can telephone Parliament:

Commonwealth: 02 6277 7111
State: 02 9230 2111