Page 2139 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 22 June 2005
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knowledge that may otherwise not be available. While our population is relatively small it is highly educated, informed and keen to encourage government on many issues. This engagement, of course, is something that this government welcomes and fosters.
The community engagement initiative included a manual, a service charter, a website and a learning and development strategy. Agencies are including community engagement principles and practices in their strategic plans and identifying officers to act as contact points for engagement activities. The importance of the partnership between the ACT government and the community sector is further evident in the social compact that was launched in May 2004. It sets out the vital role and contribution of the community sector in the ACT and the principles for working together. At a practical level the significant contribution of community organisations to the development of social policy is highlighted time and again. I note the extensive reform of Disability ACT, leading to the development of the futures policy.
The ACT Homelessness strategy drew on the unique skills, knowledge and commitment of the community services sector to develop an action plan that will not only improve the delivery and coordination of services but will also, equally and importantly, increase community understanding and awareness of this important issue. In addition, the directors of the six regional community services organisations participated in the quarterly Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services chief executives regional community services forum. These organisations provide valuable input and advice on issues relating to the department’s community services responsibilities. The forum serves as a conduit for information sharing and constructive discussion on the broad range of community services policy matters in which the directors of the six regional community services organisations have considerable knowledge, expertise and practical experience.
The community inclusion fund is yet another example of this government’s acknowledgment of the capacity of the community sector. Fifteen projects supported by the fund are now underway. They involve government agencies partnering with the community organisations to deal with the complex causes of poverty and social exclusion in this city. Working together, government and the community are now finding new ways of helping the most vulnerable and needy. The ACT government is happy to affirm its support for the work of peak, non-government advocacy and policy organisations. As I have said, peak bodies and other such representative organisations have an important role to play in the development of good public policy.
Our commitment to funding is evident to all. In February 2004 the ACT government launched the community sector funding policy. This recognised the importance of community service providers having a strong and effective relationship with the ACT government. This move reflects a shift from purchaser/provider to partnership. Community organisations are now funded under service funding agreements as part of the implementation of the policy. Organisations can now plan for the longer term and build sustainability into their operations. For example, the ACT Council of Social Service Inc receives in excess of $270,000 each year to undertake systematic advocacy and inform government policy development. Organisations like the coalition of community housing ACT and ACT Shelter also receive $110,000 each for advice, advocacy and information services.
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