3 July 2026
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is boosting financial support for Territory foster and kinship carers from 1 July 2026, recognising the vital role they play in giving vulnerable children safe, loving homes.
Fortnightly carer allowances have increased by 10 per cent, and the Placement Establishment Payment has jumped five-fold - from $200 to $1,000 - its first increase in 12 years.
Stronger support helps recruit and retain more carers, so more Territory children can grow up in a stable family environment.
Foster and kinship carers across the Territory will receive increased financial support from 1 July 2026, recognising the extraordinary contribution they make and helping ease cost-of-living pressures.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has lifted fortnightly foster and kinship care allowances by 10 per cent - well above the standard annual indexation of 2.575 per cent - to help with the everyday costs of caring for a child.
The Placement Establishment Payment has also increased from $200 to $1,000, its first rise in more than 12 years. The payment helps carers meet the immediate costs of welcoming a child into their home - bedding, clothing, footwear, toiletries, food, medicines, and items like car seats or cots - recognising that children often arrive with very few belongings, sometimes at short notice.
The updated rates have been applied automatically from 1 July, with carers set to see the additional funds in their accounts over the coming weeks.
Minister for Child Protection, Robyn Cahill, said carers gave children something every child deserved.
"Foster and kinship carers provide children with a safe, stable, and loving home. They help children heal, grow, and stay connected to the people, culture and community that matter most.
"We're increasing fortnightly allowances by 10 per cent and lifting the Placement Establishment Payment from $200 to $1,000 because we recognise both the incredible commitment carers make and the real financial pressures families face."
The changes aim to recruit and retain more carers, giving more Territory children the chance to grow up somewhere they feel safe, supported, and connected.
Every child deserves to grow up safe, loved, and supported. Anyone who has considered becoming a foster or kinship carer - whether for a short time or longer term - receives training, ongoing support, and improved financial assistance.
