Our Principles
The National Social Security Rights Network (NSSRN), formerly the National Welfare Rights Network, advocates for a social security system based on
- the right of all people in need to an adequate level of income support which is protected by law;
- the right of people to be treated with respect and dignity by Centrelink and those administering the social security system;
- the right to accessible information about social security rights and entitlements, obligations and responsibilities;
- the right to receive prompt and appropriate service and social security payments without delay;
- the right to a free, independent, informal, efficient and fair appeal system;
- the right to an independent complaints system; and
- the right to independent advice and representation.
Our Aim
NSSRN member organisations are community legal services which aim to reduce poverty, hardship and inequality in Australia by:
- providing legal assistance to individuals to ensure they can exercise their rights, fulfil their obligations, meet their responsibilities and access their entitlements under the Australian social security system; and
- advocating for the maintenance of a social security system that has rights and entitlements, obligations and responsibilities, protected by law.
Our Work
The NSSRN is the peak community organisation in the area of social security and family assistance law, policy and administration. It has a funded secretariat and its members are community legal services which provide free legal services directly to current and former income support recipients. The NSSRN draws on the direct experience of its members and their clients to provide input into policy and legislative processes and its advocacy.