National Coalition Update September 2022

Update on Safe and Supported

Dear Colleague, 

Minister Rishworth held a Community Services Ministers (CSM) meeting on 5 August 2022. All Ministers re-affirmed their commitment to Safe and Supported and taking action to improve the safety and wellbeing of children and families experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage. No significant change to the focus and intent of Safe and Supported is envisaged as the Action Plans are finalised over the coming months. 

Both Ms Catherine Liddle, representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Group, and myself (as National Coalition Steering Group Convenor) participated in the early part of the meeting, providing an overview and summary remarks progress to date. I restated the National Coalition’s support for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Group, and the dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan. 

With respect to the general action plan, key matters that I raised included: 

• the need to ensure sufficient detail and specific deliverables are identified within the proposed actions; 
  
• the need for reporting and accountability measures to be present and strong; 
  
• whole of system/whole of government effort is required to leverage off, and realise commitments of Safe and Supported; and  
  
• prevention and early intervention initiatives also need to be present. 

Parties are working towards agreeing in-principle support of Safe and Supported by October 2022, with an anticipated release of the Action Plans – inclusive of Outcomes Frameworks and Theories of Change narratives – by the end of 2022. 

Refresh of the Steering Group Composition 

An action arising from the National Coalition Annual meeting in June 2022, was the ‘refresh’ of the composition of the National Coalition Steering Group. 

All positions on the Steering Group will soon be declared vacant (except for the role of convener, which is set by funding arrangements) and a call for EOIs from National Coalition members to join the Steering Group will be made. For further details on this decision, please refer to the minutes of the National Coalition Annual Meeting. 

The release of Safe and Supported at the end of this year has been identified as a natural transition point, with the new Steering Group being in place by the end of 2022.  

Stage One – Establishment of an EOI Assessment Panel  

A four member EOI Assessment Panel is being established. The panel composition will be as follows: 

1. National Coalition Convenor (Jamie Crosby); 

2. A member of the current Steering Group – ideally a current member who is not intending to seek re-appointment; 

3. One general member of the National Coalition (not seeking to be appointed to the Steering Group); and 

4. An independent representative of a national organisation/group (not a National Coalition Member); or 
   a second general member of the National Coalition (not seeking to be appointed to the Steering Group). 

Time commitment 

Assessment panel members will be required to review submitted EOIs and attend two assessment meetings (virtual meetings).  In total, it is envisaged that 6 to 8 hours of time (approx.) will be required from panel members. 

Become an Assessment Panel member 

If are interested in participating as an Assessment Panel member, please email  policy@familiesaustralia.org.au by COB Monday 19 September.    

Please ensure your email includes the following information: 

• Name 
• Current position title 
• Current organisation and  
• If applicable, a brief statement of any potential conflicts of interest. 

Alternatively, you could call the Families Australia office on 02 6273 4885 and have a chat with Bianca Williams, Senior Policy Officer or myself, Jamie Crosby.  

The Assessment Panel will be determined by the end of September. 

Stage Two – Call for Expressions of Interest – National Coalition Steering Group.  

A call for expressions of interest from National Coalition members wishing to be considered for appointment to the Steering Group will be released in early October. Summary information and an EOI template will be provided at that time. 

If you would like to discuss things in greater detail or would like further information – please reach out at any stage.   

Not yet a National Coalition Member? 

You can become a member by emailing admin@familiesaustralia.org.au or visiting the National Coalition webpage at https://familiesaustralia.org.au/national-coalition/. 

Membership of the National Coalition on Child Safety and Wellbeing is free.   

Thank you for your support and ongoing commitment to the safety and wellbeing of children and families.  

Regards, 
Jamie Crosby 
Convenor, National Coalition on Child Safety and Wellbeing 
CEO Families Australia