Minister Rishworth interview on FIVEaa Adelaide with Stacey Lee

STACEY LEE, HOST: As we mentioned, the Federal Government has given $600,000 to the GOGO Foundation. Amanda Rishworth is the Minister for Social Services, also South Australian MP in Federal Parliament, Member for Kingston and she joins you this afternoon as well. Good afternoon, Minister.

AMANDA RISHWORTH, MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES: Great to be with you.

STACEY LEE: It's been really nice hearing from Sarah and Nicole about the work that the GOGO Foundation does. How did you get in touch with Sarah and the Foundation?

AMANDA RISHWORTH: Well, it was a really Adelaide thing, I think, through word of mouth. Amanda Blair, actually. I was talking with her, and she said - now, I don't normally do this, but I need to tell you about the amazing work this organisation does - and that was my first introduction. Then when I heard the work they did and spoke with them, I realised it very much aligned with one of our key programs, which is Strong and Resilient Communities. So the rest is history, I think they say.

STACEY LEE: And, I mean, it's probably a silly question, but why did you think that GOGO Foundation was a good one to be backing with, you know, over half a million dollars?

AMANDA RISHWORTH: Well, I think a lot of us know that getting stable, secure work that you really enjoy is a really critical part of life. But what really struck me with the GOGO Foundation is it was more than just technical skills. The technical skills are really important, but hearing from the women participants and hearing some of the barriers that they face, what was really clear is you need much more than that. You can't just put work skills in one column. Confidence is key. Self-belief is key to being successful in all parts of your life, including gaining and securing work. So, for me, it was that whole of person, individual focus. And as was said at the launch today, the unconditional love that the GOGO Foundation mentored through the Inclusive Work Program give to women to help them get back on their feet. That holistic perspective was so important.

STACEY LEE: And the stats are pretty remarkable. You know, eighty per cent of graduates end up in work or a job they love, or are studying six months after completing the program. So, I mean, it's a good spot for the money to be, I think.

AMANDA RISHWORTH: Oh, look, it absolutely is. When you hear about some of the barriers that women have faced, these women, when they come into the program are not necessarily work ready. They've faced a lot of barriers in their life. Seventy per cent identified mental health as a barrier and another seventy per cent identified family, domestic and intimate partner violence. These are not easy barriers to overcome. So, those statistics, when we think about some of the experiences the women have had and some of the barriers that have been put up, are even more special.

STACEY LEE: Well, Minister, thank you for your time this afternoon. It's been a really nice chat learning about the GOGO Foundation and about the clients they support and the work they do. It's great to see we've got such good local South Australian communities getting together. So, thank you for your time as well.

AMANDA RISHWORTH: Thank you.