Ministerial Role

Chris is the Minister for Human Services, and the Minister for Financial Services, Superannuation and Corporate Law.

Human Services

As the Human Services Minister, Chris is responsible for improving the development and delivery of Government social and health related services to the Australian people.

Chris works closely with the Department of Human Services and Human Services agencies including Child Support, CRS Australia, Centrelink, Medicare Australia and Australian Hearing. They work together to improve the quality and cost effectiveness of service delivery.

Legislative responsibility

The Minister is responsible for administering the following legislation for the Human Services Portfolio:

Australian Hearing Services Act 1991, except to the extent that it is administered by the Minister for Health and Ageing;

Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989, insofar as it relates to the exercise of the powers and functions conferred on the Registrar under the Act;

Child Support Legislation Amendment (Reform of the Child Support Scheme—Initial Measures) Act 2006, insofar as it relates to the exercise of the powers and functions conferred on the Registrar under the Act;

Child Support Legislation Amendment (Reform of the Child Support Scheme—New Formula and Other Measures) Act 2006, insofar as it relates to the exercise of the powers and functions conferred on the Registrar under the Act;

Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988, insofar as it relates to the appointment of the Registrar and the exercise of the powers and functions conferred on the Registrar under the Act;

Commonwealth Services Delivery Agency Act 1997; and

Medicare Australia Act 1973.

For more information about the Human Services portfolio, click here

Financial Services, Superannuation and Corporate Law

Under this portfolio, Chris is responsible for policy and administration in the areas of private and commonwealth superannuation, corporate governance and responsibility and financial literacy.

As Financial Services Minister, Chris continues to have responsibility for promoting Australia as a financial services hub.

Superannuation

Policy and administration, including taxation and prudential regulation, in relation to superannuation.

Corporate governance

Development of policy and its implementation in relation to corporate governance, insolvency, accounting and audit regulations.
Administration of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and representation on the Ministerial Council for Corporations.
Financial market conduct, disclosure, investor protection and supervision issues (excluding prudential, monetary and foreign exchange policy) including the design, implementation and administration of legislation relating to markets, services and products.

Financial literacy

Responsibility for achieving Government objectives in regard to raising public financial literacy and fostering initiatives that will build the capacity of Australians to make better decisions about their money.

Other

The Housing Loans Insurance Corporation
The Australian Government Actuary
Representational duties, correspondence and administrative matters in general portfolio matters as referred by the Treasurer.

For more information about the Financial Services Portfolio, click here