Breakfast with Minister Davis
Mark Henley We are very pleased with the large turnout for the breakfast with Minister Davis. There were a number of key messages outlined in the Minister’s speech and I wanted to take the opportunity to draw attention to them.
It was good to hear the minister talk of her desire to work more closely and collaboratively with the sector to provide services to vulnerable people. This is something that the sector should embrace at every opportunity as it is the sector which has many of the answers and solutions to the problems faced by those facing poverty and disadvantage. Drawing on the collective knowledge of the sector will ensure that the quality of service delivery and outcomes for people are maximised.
Another important message to note was the Minister’s assertion that she intends to prioritise the streamlining of contract and reporting arrangements. This is good news. Reducing the burden of compliance will free up resources which could be better used for both delivering and coordinating the delivery of front line services. The importance of collaboration is one which has been clearly demonstrated in the Homelessness Community Action Planning (HCAP) project.
The Minister also talked about the need to ensure that services were accountable and that they provide the highest quality of service to clients. I am sure that you will all agree that this is a goal to which we all aspire in the sector. We must, as a sector, find ways to effectively validate local practice and promote programs and projects which provide improved outcomes for people.
While there is much detail to be fleshed out, I look forward to hearing from the Minister how these changes will be implemented in practice.
