If not delivered return to PO Box 7820 Canberra BC ACT 2610
17 January 2020
Our reference: LEX 50220
Ms Julie Middleton
By email only: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
Dear Ms Middleton,
Assistance with your enquiries
I refer to your request made to the Department of Human Services (
department) under the
Freedom of Information Act 1982 (
FOI Act), dated 1 January 2020, for:
'1. The annual number of Newstart recipients from 2007 with an assessed work
capacity of under 30 hours per week, who have been sent for an independent
medical assessment. That is, a Disability Medical Assessment, with Sonic HealthPlus
or other service provider.
2. Statistics for the annual number of Newstart recipients from 2007, who have been
assessed under the Centrelink Impairment Tables as having a:
a) mild impact (5 points)
b) moderate impact (10 points)
c) severe impact (20 points); or
d) extreme (30 points) impact
The figures of the above, will reconcile with the annual totals in point 1.
3. The annual number of Newstart recipients from 2007, who have been assessed as
having 20 or more points from the Impairment Table, who:
a) have been actively participating in a Program of Support (POS); and
b) have a Mutual Obligation Requirement to attend compulsory appointments with
Centrelink every 12 weeks. This would be an exemption from being in the POS'.
Processing of your request by the freedom of information team is ongoing.
In the mean time, the relevant business area of the department, the Programme
Management and Assurance Branch, would like to discuss with you further assistance that
they could provide regarding your enquiries about Programs of Support, outside of the FOI
Act.
So that an officer from the Programme Management and Assurance Branch can contact you
to discuss, could you kindly provide your best contact number, and the most convenient
times to call, to xxx.xxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx. To protect your privacy, you
may wish to directly email this address, rather than responding through the Right to Know
website.
Further assistance
As mentioned, processing of your request under the FOI Act is ongoing and you can expect
a decision by 17 February 2020.
If you have any questions regarding your freedom of information request, please email
xxx.xxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
Yours sincerely,
Riley
Authorised FOI Decision Maker
Freedom of Information Team
Employment Law and Freedom of Information Branch | Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services
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