The development of Western Australia’s first strategy to ensure community services are delivered across the State professionally has been unveiled by the Department of Finance with a discussion paper released for public comment.
In a statement, the Department said the State Commissioning Strategy for Community Services provided an opportunity to improve the way community services were delivered in Western Australia.
It said the Strategy had been developed in collaboration with the Departments of the Premier and Cabinet, Treasury, key community service State Agencies and the community services sector.
“The Strategy will provide an opportunity for a long-term, coordinated approach to the design and delivery of human services,” the Department said.
“The purpose of the Strategy is also aimed at improving the sustainability and quality of services.”
The Department said the Strategy would determine how community services would be commissioned over the next five years and further into the future, aiming to better align the Government, service providers, peak bodies and consumer advocates.
It said it was now seeking feedback on its discussion paper relating to the Strategy.
“The discussion paper seeks responses to a range of questions to capture the views of all key stakeholders, including service users,” it said.
“It is likely the responses will help to inform the Strategy which aims to achieve a collaborative and cohesive approach to commissioning community services.
“The community is invited to submit comments on commissioning best practice community services; capability building; designing place-based services; sector engagement and ensuring services are contemporary and agile.”
The Department said also to be considered was commissioning implementation and strengthening the involvement of Aboriginal people and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
The deadline for comments is 3 September and the 19-page discussion paper can be accessed at this PS News link.