Michael Klapdor
@mklapdor.bsky.social
Social policy researcher at 🇦🇺 Parliamentary Library, Canberra
Mostly welfare, social security, family payments, child care, veterans
Personal account | Impersonal observations
Mostly welfare, social security, family payments, child care, veterans
Personal account | Impersonal observations
Pinned
Parl Library has updated the Digest for the Social Security Technical Changes No. 2 Bill to include analysis of the new measure allowing Home Affairs Minister to stop payments to persons subject to an outstanding warrant for a serious violent or sexual offence: parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/dow...
Reposted by Michael Klapdor
The Leader of the House @tonyburkemp.bsky.social moved to suspend standing orders 31 and 33 to allow the House to sit late tonight.
The House agreed to the motion.
The House agreed to the motion.
November 27, 2025 at 4:39 AM
The Leader of the House @tonyburkemp.bsky.social moved to suspend standing orders 31 and 33 to allow the House to sit late tonight.
The House agreed to the motion.
The House agreed to the motion.
Reposted by Michael Klapdor
The baby — estimated to be less than 24 hours old — was found this morning outside a fire station.
Newborn baby found abandoned outside Canberra fire station
The baby — estimated to be less than 24 hours old — was found this morning outside a fire station.
www.abc.net.au
November 27, 2025 at 12:48 AM
The baby — estimated to be less than 24 hours old — was found this morning outside a fire station.
Reposted by Michael Klapdor
2026 Australian Parliamentary Sitting Calendar www.pmc.gov.au/sites/defaul...
November 26, 2025 at 4:40 AM
2026 Australian Parliamentary Sitting Calendar www.pmc.gov.au/sites/defaul...
Reposted by Michael Klapdor
At least 36 people are dead and others remain trapped after a massive fire that engulfed multiple high-rise towers at a residential complex in Hong Kong. Follow live.
Live: Massive high-rise apartment blaze in Hong Kong kills at least 36
At least 36 people are dead and others remain trapped after a massive fire that engulfed multiple high-rise towers at a residential complex in Hong Kong. Follow live.
www.abc.net.au
November 26, 2025 at 7:58 PM
At least 36 people are dead and others remain trapped after a massive fire that engulfed multiple high-rise towers at a residential complex in Hong Kong. Follow live.
Reposted by Michael Klapdor
The Chancellor has scrapped the two-child limit, benefitting more than half a million families.
In April 2025, out of families impacted by the limit:
- 6 in 10 had 3 children.
- 6 in 10 had at least one person in work.
- And 6 in 10 are receiving a health or disability benefit.
In April 2025, out of families impacted by the limit:
- 6 in 10 had 3 children.
- 6 in 10 had at least one person in work.
- And 6 in 10 are receiving a health or disability benefit.
November 26, 2025 at 1:45 PM
The Chancellor has scrapped the two-child limit, benefitting more than half a million families.
In April 2025, out of families impacted by the limit:
- 6 in 10 had 3 children.
- 6 in 10 had at least one person in work.
- And 6 in 10 are receiving a health or disability benefit.
In April 2025, out of families impacted by the limit:
- 6 in 10 had 3 children.
- 6 in 10 had at least one person in work.
- And 6 in 10 are receiving a health or disability benefit.
Reposted by Michael Klapdor
Today the OBR finally published employment impacts of Govt’s (remaining) disability benefit cuts, which weren’t ready in the spring. Confirms @jrf-uk.bsky.social analysis at the time that these huge cuts to disabled people’s incomes come with relatively few expected to move into work. 🧵1/3
November 26, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Today the OBR finally published employment impacts of Govt’s (remaining) disability benefit cuts, which weren’t ready in the spring. Confirms @jrf-uk.bsky.social analysis at the time that these huge cuts to disabled people’s incomes come with relatively few expected to move into work. 🧵1/3
2026 Australian Parliamentary Sitting Calendar www.pmc.gov.au/sites/defaul...
November 26, 2025 at 4:40 AM
2026 Australian Parliamentary Sitting Calendar www.pmc.gov.au/sites/defaul...
Senate passed the Social Security Tech. Changes No. 2 Bill. Provides:
- income apportionment validation + resolution scheme
- debt waiver changes
- HA Minister can cancel payments for subjects of outstanding arrest warrants for serious violent or sexual offences parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/sea...
- income apportionment validation + resolution scheme
- debt waiver changes
- HA Minister can cancel payments for subjects of outstanding arrest warrants for serious violent or sexual offences parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/sea...
parlinfo.aph.gov.au
November 26, 2025 at 12:48 AM
Senate passed the Social Security Tech. Changes No. 2 Bill. Provides:
- income apportionment validation + resolution scheme
- debt waiver changes
- HA Minister can cancel payments for subjects of outstanding arrest warrants for serious violent or sexual offences parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/sea...
- income apportionment validation + resolution scheme
- debt waiver changes
- HA Minister can cancel payments for subjects of outstanding arrest warrants for serious violent or sexual offences parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/sea...
Reposted by Michael Klapdor
'Letter from the Minister for Social Services (Ms Plibersek) to the Commonwealth Ombudsman (Mr Iain Anderson), regarding schedule 5 to the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025, dated 21 November 2025' www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentar...
November 24, 2025 at 1:24 AM
'Letter from the Minister for Social Services (Ms Plibersek) to the Commonwealth Ombudsman (Mr Iain Anderson), regarding schedule 5 to the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025, dated 21 November 2025' www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentar...
'Letter from the Minister for Social Services (Ms Plibersek) to the Commonwealth Ombudsman (Mr Iain Anderson), regarding schedule 5 to the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025, dated 21 November 2025' www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentar...
November 24, 2025 at 1:24 AM
'Letter from the Minister for Social Services (Ms Plibersek) to the Commonwealth Ombudsman (Mr Iain Anderson), regarding schedule 5 to the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025, dated 21 November 2025' www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentar...
Reposted by Michael Klapdor
Draft Senate program has this big Social Security Bill listed first for debate on Monday - www.pmc.gov.au/resources/dr...
November 20, 2025 at 6:23 AM
Draft Senate program has this big Social Security Bill listed first for debate on Monday - www.pmc.gov.au/resources/dr...
Reposted by Michael Klapdor
Excellent summary of the bill, the amendments, and the history of the debate available from the APH library here:
www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentar...
www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentar...
Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025
Key points
The Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025 (the Bill) will:
retrospectively validate social security payment rate calculations...
www.aph.gov.au
November 20, 2025 at 7:35 AM
Excellent summary of the bill, the amendments, and the history of the debate available from the APH library here:
www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentar...
www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentar...
Draft Senate program has this big Social Security Bill listed first for debate on Monday - www.pmc.gov.au/resources/dr...
November 20, 2025 at 6:23 AM
Draft Senate program has this big Social Security Bill listed first for debate on Monday - www.pmc.gov.au/resources/dr...
Reposted by Michael Klapdor
"Matildas star Mary Fowler has revealed the inner torment she endured during her time at French club Montpellier, saying she and another black teammate were given bananas instead of flowers during a farewell presentation from the club, an incident she says was not 'a simple error."
‘Treated differently’: Mary Fowler claims she was given bananas instead of flowers on leaving French club
The Matildas star said her tenure at Montpellier made her consider quitting soccer.
www.smh.com.au
November 19, 2025 at 6:38 AM
"Matildas star Mary Fowler has revealed the inner torment she endured during her time at French club Montpellier, saying she and another black teammate were given bananas instead of flowers during a farewell presentation from the club, an incident she says was not 'a simple error."
Reposted by Michael Klapdor
The move will affect Australia and New Zealand's multiple police and defence personnel working in Vanuatu, and could set back the signing of the Nakamal Agreement.
Vanuatu expels Australian, NZ advisors to stop 'outside influence'
The move will affect Australia and New Zealand's multiple police and defence personnel working in Vanuatu, and could set back the signing of the Nakamal Agreement.
www.abc.net.au
November 14, 2025 at 7:08 AM
The move will affect Australia and New Zealand's multiple police and defence personnel working in Vanuatu, and could set back the signing of the Nakamal Agreement.
JobSeeker Payment and Youth Allowance (Other) recipients as at October 2025: 991,540 (up from 988,745 in September).
Average duration on JobSeeker is about 173 weeks.
JobSeeker recipients' average duration on any payment is 255 weeks (Sept '25 data)
data.gov.au/data/dataset...
Average duration on JobSeeker is about 173 weeks.
JobSeeker recipients' average duration on any payment is 255 weeks (Sept '25 data)
data.gov.au/data/dataset...
November 14, 2025 at 5:01 AM
JobSeeker Payment and Youth Allowance (Other) recipients as at October 2025: 991,540 (up from 988,745 in September).
Average duration on JobSeeker is about 173 weeks.
JobSeeker recipients' average duration on any payment is 255 weeks (Sept '25 data)
data.gov.au/data/dataset...
Average duration on JobSeeker is about 173 weeks.
JobSeeker recipients' average duration on any payment is 255 weeks (Sept '25 data)
data.gov.au/data/dataset...
Reposted by Michael Klapdor
Almost a decade after one was recommended by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Working with children check tracker established amid pressure on child care
Almost a decade after one was recommended by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
www.abc.net.au
November 13, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Almost a decade after one was recommended by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Department of Social Services annual report has been tabled (must later than the normal before October Estimates hearings/before 31 October timeframe): www.dss.gov.au/annual-repor...
www.dss.gov.au
November 13, 2025 at 4:34 AM
Department of Social Services annual report has been tabled (must later than the normal before October Estimates hearings/before 31 October timeframe): www.dss.gov.au/annual-repor...
Reposted by Michael Klapdor
Government using machine learning to help create draft plans for NDIS participants, documents reveal
Government using machine learning to help create draft plans for NDIS participants, documents reveal
Exclusive: NDIA defines machine learning as a subset of AI that uses algorithms to learn from data and make decisions or predictions
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National Disability Insurance Agency staff are using machine learning to help create draft plans for NDIS participants, documents obtained by Guardian Australia reveal.
Documents related to NDIA’s use of AI released under freedom of information laws showed 300 staff participated in a six-month trial of Microsoft’s Copilot AI from January last year. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Government using machine learning to help create draft plans for NDIS participants, documents reveal
Reposted by Michael Klapdor
TIL Australia used to have 'drop crocs', crocodilic ancestors that would (probably) climb trees then jump down on unsuspecting victims. Shame they died out really. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
55m-year-old eggshells unearthed in Queensland may be older relative of infamous ‘drop crocs’
Scientists believe new discovery to be the oldest crocodilian eggshells ever found in Australia
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 8:22 PM
TIL Australia used to have 'drop crocs', crocodilic ancestors that would (probably) climb trees then jump down on unsuspecting victims. Shame they died out really. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Michael Klapdor
For those interested in the history of the far right in Australia, @drjpersian.bsky.social, Vashti Jane Fox and I provide an overview in the introduction to our book 'Histories of Fascism and Anti-Fascism in Australia'.
www.academia.edu/121035689/Hi...
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
www.academia.edu/121035689/Hi...
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
August 29, 2025 at 12:50 PM
For those interested in the history of the far right in Australia, @drjpersian.bsky.social, Vashti Jane Fox and I provide an overview in the introduction to our book 'Histories of Fascism and Anti-Fascism in Australia'.
www.academia.edu/121035689/Hi...
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
www.academia.edu/121035689/Hi...
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
On a more minor note, Treasury’s Annual Report refers a few times to the ‘Federation Financial Relations Act’ when it should be the ‘Federal Financial Relations Act’
The Albanese government’s $2.3 billion energy bill subsidies to households and business potentially breached the Constitution because Treasury did not attain appropriate written approval for the payments from Treasurer Jim Chalmers, the department has admitted www.afr.com/politics/fed...
Legal error in $2.3b energy bill subsidies revealed
Treasury has disclosed a technical potential breach of constitutional law after it failed to gain appropriate written approval from Treasurer Jim Chalmers.
www.afr.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:36 AM
On a more minor note, Treasury’s Annual Report refers a few times to the ‘Federation Financial Relations Act’ when it should be the ‘Federal Financial Relations Act’
Reposted by Michael Klapdor
The Albanese government’s $2.3 billion energy bill subsidies to households and business potentially breached the Constitution because Treasury did not attain appropriate written approval for the payments from Treasurer Jim Chalmers, the department has admitted www.afr.com/politics/fed...
Legal error in $2.3b energy bill subsidies revealed
Treasury has disclosed a technical potential breach of constitutional law after it failed to gain appropriate written approval from Treasurer Jim Chalmers.
www.afr.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:24 AM
The Albanese government’s $2.3 billion energy bill subsidies to households and business potentially breached the Constitution because Treasury did not attain appropriate written approval for the payments from Treasurer Jim Chalmers, the department has admitted www.afr.com/politics/fed...
This decision last week flew under the radar - case could have significant ramifications for Centrelink debt decisions
High Court granted special leave to appeal Fed Court’s decision in the Chaplin v DSS case (related to Centrelink’s assessment of employment income and income apportionment).
Comes same day the gov’s income apportionment validation Bill delayed to next sitting www.hcourt.gov.au/cases-and-ju...
Comes same day the gov’s income apportionment validation Bill delayed to next sitting www.hcourt.gov.au/cases-and-ju...
www.hcourt.gov.au
November 9, 2025 at 8:16 PM
This decision last week flew under the radar - case could have significant ramifications for Centrelink debt decisions