Abstract

Copy of submission forwarded to the Hon. I. McC. Sinclair, M.H.R., Minister for Social Services, on 21.11.1966. in receipt of a Commonwealth Class "A" The Australian Association of Social Workers widow's pension, including deserted wives (A.A.S.W.) represents professional workers (after six months), and a woman whose hus- whose employment introduces them to the sec- band is in a mental hospital, or in prison (after tion of the community with the greatest need to six months). seek help and the least opportunity to do so. We believe that this position on the front line (c) Widows Receiving No Pension: These of the community's social concern "obligates us may be recently widowed and awaiting a pen- to draw attention to inadequacies in social wel- sion, or widows ineligible for a civilian pension fare provision. This submission covers: through the operation of the property or income tests, or failures to meet residence require- FINANCE FOR FATHERLESS FAMILIES ments. The six months' waiting period for de- "A widow doesn't want charity; she serted wives, prisoners' wives, etc., creates the doesn't want to sit back and be kept by major component of this category. the State; she needs to earn all she can to