National Coalition Update October 2022

EOI NOW OPEN | NATIONAL COALITION STEERING GROUP

Dear Colleague,

As mentioned in the last e-bulletin 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 be spilled, except for the role of convener, which is set by funding arrangements.

Appointment of EOI Assessment Panel

Following a process outlined in the National Coalition Update September 2022, we are writing to advise that a four-member assessment panel has been appointed, to assess the EOIs for membership of the Steering Group.  Membership of the assessment panel is as follows:

• Ms Deirdre Cheers – CEO Barnardos
• Ms Tricia Murry AM – Former CEO, Wanslea
• Emeritus Professor Morag McArthur, Australian Catholic University
• Jamie Crosby – National Coalition Convenor.

Call for Expressions of Interest in becoming a member of the Steering Group  

The National Coalition is currently welcoming expressions of interest (EOI) from members who would like to be considered for appointment to the Steering Group.  

As a skills-based Steering Group, candidates with extensive skills and experience in one of the following areas are encouraged to submit an EOI:

• Disability, Education or Health
• Working in Aboriginal Controlled Organizations
• Working in rural or remote areas
• Child safety and family wellbeing.

Consideration will also be given to the gender balance of the Steering Group.  We will further prioritise applications from those who can contribute significant expertise to key focus areas of Safe and Supported, namely:

• A national approach to early intervention and targeted support for children and families experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage
• Addressing the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in child protection systems
• Improved information sharing, data development and analysis
• Strengthening the child and family sector and workforce capability.

We will also highly regard experience and expertise at policy or practical (service-oriented) level on the priority groups of Safe and Supported:

• Children and families with multiple and complex needs
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people experiencing
• disadvantage or who are vulnerable
• Children and young people with disability and/or parents/carers with disability experiencing disadvantage or who are vulnerable
• Children and young people who have experienced abuse and/or neglect, including children in out-of-home care and young people leaving out-of-home care and transitioning to adulthood.

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.  

Steering Group members represent themselves, rather than their organisations. This means that once someone leaves an appointment the position is not automatically offered to someone else in the organisation.

The EOI Assessment Panel will review all applications and aim to notify successful appointments by late November 2022.

The final composition of the Steering Group will be publicly announced in December, around the time of the anticipated release of the Safe and Supported action plans.

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.  

Please complete the attached form and submit your EOI and supporting statement to policy@familiesaustralia.org.au by 26 October 2022. The EOI form can also be downloaded directly from the National Coalition webpage HERE.

Expressions of interest are private and will be treated in a strictly confidential manner.

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