About us

The National Welfare Rights Network (NWRN) is a network of community legal centres throughout Australia which specialise in Social Security law and its administration by Centrelink. Based on the experience of clients of NWRN members, the Network also develops policy and advocates for reform based on the principles and rights set out below.

NWRN member organisations (see Contact us) provide casework assistance to their clients, generally by phone, at least in the first instance. NWRN members also conduct training and education for community workers and produce publications to help Social Security recipients and community organisations understand the system. The NWRN also engages in policy analysis and lobbying to improve the current Social Security system and its administration.

Our aim

NWRN member organisations, individual Welfare Rights centres and services throughout Australia, aim to reduce poverty, hardship and inequality in Australia by:

• providing casework advice and assistance to individuals to ensure they can exercise their rights, fulfil their obligations, meet their responsibilities and maximise 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, detailed under and protected by law.

Our principles

• 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.