The ACT Government has today kicked off a nine-month process to develop a long-term strategy to guide how community services are delivered in the ACT.

The strategy will outline the ACT’s service delivery priorities to improve processes for people accessing community services such as social housing, disability services, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services, children, youth and family services, and services for veterans and seniors.

The Strengthening Partnerships – Commissioning for Social Impact discussion paper released today is the first stage of the process which will set out a commissioning framework to guide how the government and community sector can continue to deliver fundamental services for Canberrans.

Minister for Community Services and Facilities, Suzanne Orr said the Strengthening Partnerships strategy will improve the wellbeing of Canberrans and how community services are delivered in the ACT.

“The Strengthening Partnerships strategy will allow us to provide better outcomes for some of the most vulnerable people in the ACT, with the aim to transition Government services and non-government contracts to a needs-based service delivery model,” Minister Orr said.

“Through this process the government will continue to build stronger industry partnerships, further develop our understanding of the needs of Canberrans and better respond to the service demands of the community sector.”   

“The ACT Government is committed to ensuring Canberra is the most inclusive city in Australia and empowering people and organisations to create stronger communities is key to realising our goal.”

Over the next nine months industry partners and community members will be invited to participate in the conversation and community led planning to determine the services that people need and how they are provided.

Interested organisations are encouraged to participate in discussions through the Community Services Directorate website at: www.communityservices.act.gov.au/strengtheningpartnerships

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