National Coalition Update December 2022

Refresh of the Steering Group Composition

We received over 30 high quality EOIs from a wide range of individuals expressing interest in joining the National Coalition Steering Group. A robust selection process undertaken by the Assessment Panel had the difficult challenge of selecting an experienced, balanced and representative cohort of people. 

I am pleased to advise you of the composition of the Steering Group for the following three years, commencing on the release date of Safe and Supported. 

Name	Position Title	Organisation
Professor Leah Bromfield	Director, Australian Centre for Child Protection	University of South Australia
Professor Amy Conley Wright	Director, Research Centre for Children and Families	The University of Sydney
Dr Lauren Lines	Lecturer in Nursing	Flinders University
Dr Rosa Flaherty	Manager, Practice Development	National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse
Ms Felicity Kime	President and Peer Worker	Family Inclusion Strategies Hunter (FISH)
Ms Catherine Liddle	CEO	SNAICC
Ms Annette Michaux	Director	Parenting Research Centre
Mr Paul McDonald	CEO	Anglicare Victoria
Mr Jamie Crosby	Convenor	National Coalition on Child Safety and Wellbeing / CEO Families Australia.

We thank all people who submitted an EOI and greatly value their continued involvement in the National Coalition, and that of all our members. There will be many other opportunities to make a significant contribution, especially during the early implementation phase of Safe and Supported. These opportunities, including National Coalition member participation in working groups being established as part of Safe and Supported governance arrangements and issue-based consultation forums, will be announced in future e-bulletins as they arise. 

A huge shout out to members of the EOI Assessment Panel for your hard work, time and deliberations. Thanks are extended to Deirdre Cheers, Chief Executive Officer, Banardos; Emeritus Professor Morag McArthur; and Tricia Murray, former CEO, Wanslea. 

We will acknowledge the significant contribution of the outgoing Steering Group members following the release of Safe and Supported. 

Call for EOIs for appointment to the Steering Group from those with expertise on disability 

During the refresh of the Steering Group process, the EOI Assessment Panel felt there was need for stronger representation of people with expertise in disability. One (1) vacancy on the steering group remains and we are seeking to fill this with a disability specialist. 

Therefore, the National Coalition is currently welcoming interest from National Coalition members with specific expertise in disability, whether as a researcher, organisation or an advocate with lived experience. 

Steering Group appointments are for up to 3 years duration. Steering Group members are expected to contribute up to 6-8 hours per month on average. Drawing on their skills and experience, Steering Group members represent themselves, rather than the organisations they work or volunteer for. Expressions of interest are private and will be treated in a strictly confidential manner. 

If you feel you have a suitable skill set and would like to apply as a disability specialist on the Steering Group, please email reach out to the Families Australia team via email policy@familiesaustralia.org.au before 31 January 2023 to obtain and EOI form. Applications will need to be completed and returned by COB 31 January 2023. The Successful applicant will be notified in February 2023. 

If you would like to chat further about submitting an EOI please call the Families Australia office on 02 6273 4885 and have a chat with Dr Bianca Williams, Senior Policy Officer or myself, Jamie Crosby. 

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