Australian Early Development Census

The purpose of the consultations in 2016-17 was to promote the value of the 2015 Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) data and support the government, Catholic and independent school sectors as well as the community sector to respond to the developmental vulnerabilities identified through the Census. The method of engagement was multi-pronged, with a variety of engagement sessions held during the 2016-17 period including community regional forums, meetings with individual schools, AEDC presentations and a Transition to School Seminar for Parents.

Community regional forums were presented for the government, Catholic and independent school sectors in partnership with the Child and Family Centres and local community services. A total of six forums were held and provided an opportunity for schools to better understand their school summary AEDC results, how they can be used to inform school planning and what support services are available to reduce developmental vulnerability. Approximately 20 school staff attended each government school forum and ten school staff attended each of the Catholic/independent school forums.

A mail out of AEDC School Summary’s to ACT Government school principals was undertaken to promote the release of the 2015 data to encourage them to consider what is working well and what needs to be improved to support children and their families within their school community. Individual schools were offered to meet with CSD project staff and ten schools took up this opportunity. As an outcome of these meetings, some schools linked with community partners to respond to the current needs of their school communities.

Approximately 20 AEDC presentationswere delivered to policy areas and executives across Health, Education and Community Services Directorates as well as a number of community networks, for example The Smith Family, Catholic Education-Early Learning Centre Directors, North/Gungahlin Governance meeting, West Belconnen network meeting, Belconnen Community Services and YMCA Early Childhood Education and Care.

CSD partnered with the Canberra Preschool Society and the ACT Education Directorate to deliver a Transition to School Seminar for parents held in November 2016. The transition seminar covered topics such as preparing your child for school, parental engagement in school, the AEDC developmental domains and support services available. There were approximately 23 people in attendance.

Child Concern Report Information Sharing Think Tank

On 18 October 2016, a think tank was held seeking to improve the feedback provided to mandated reporters following receipt of a Child Concern Report.

The purpose of the think tank was to:

• review current arrangements and processes for making a Child Concern Report
• identify opportunities to improve the process of reporting for mandated reporters
• identify the type of feedback sought by child concern reporters and determine appropriate mechanisms to support this
• identify training and policy requirements.

The method of engagement was face-to-face consultation. Participants were from Australian Federal Police, ACT Health, Housing ACT, Education Directorate and Child and Youth Protection Services with a total of 15 participants.

Cross Directorate Domestic Adoptions Taskforce Consultation

The purpose of the consultation was to allow interested community members to contribute to the ACT Government’s review of the timely and appropriate completion of the domestic adoption process.

The six week consultation process was conducted from 30 September to 11 November 2016. It was designed to seek feedback from families who have adopted in the past five years, families currently going through the adoption process, birth parents and relevant stakeholders such as academics, community organisations and advocacy groups. Feedback was sought through written submissions in response to a discussion paper that included targeted discussion questions about timeliness in the adoption process.

Twenty written submissions were received during the consultation process. A further three submissions were received following extensions. Seven verbal submissions were received from respondents that did not provide a written response. Consultation informed the development of the final report and recommendations that were accepted in the ACT Government response.

A Step Up for Our Kids: Implementation Program

Ongoing consultation has occurred through the implementation of A Step Up for Our Kids, to inform stakeholders of progress, assist them to understand the impact of changes, seek views on operational aspects of the program and continue to work to evolve new service systems which aim to support and keep our most vulnerable children safe.

The methods of engagement included meetings, workshops, think tanks, newsletters and correspondence.

57 meetings were held to engage with a variety of stakeholders, including:

• foster and kinship carers
• out of home care providers
• peak organisations
• government staff
• the Children and Youth Services Ministerial Advisory Council
• the Carer Consultation Group
• Education Directorate
• Health Directorate
• Justice and Community Safety Directorate
• ACT Ombudsman
• Public Advocate and Children and Young People Commissioner
• Members of the Legislative Assembly.

The outcomes are that the broader out of home care sector has an understanding of A Step Up for Our Kids and how changes may affect them. Feedback and consultation has continued to inform various aspects of A Step Up for Our Kids and its implementation as Child and Youth Protection Services continue to work with providers to evolve new service systems which aim to support and keep our most vulnerable children safe.

Connect and Participate Expo

The purpose of the Connect and Participate (CAP) Expo, held on 25 March 2017, was to provide Canberrans of all abilities the opportunity to come to one place on one day and discover the diverse range of groups and clubs that exist in the community, enticing them to participate in a community group.

A wide range of groups and clubs were contacted and were offered the opportunity for them to showcase what they do. The event was promoted to the Canberra community using a multi-strategy approach.

Approximately 70 plus groups and clubs participated in the Expo, which was attended by over 6,000 Canberrans, including approximately 12 per cent of people with disability.

The outcome was that people of all abilities were able to join groups which promoted inclusiveness and were active within the local community.

Development of Emma Ruby Teen House at Cook Community Hub

Housing and Community Services, in partnership with the Ricky Stuart Foundation and ACT Property Group, continued to consult with the community about the proposed construction of a centre for short-term accommodation for teenagers aged 13–18 years with disability at the rear of the Cook Community Hub on Templeton Street, Cook.

A drop-in information session was held on 17 July 2016 for tenants of the Cook Community Hub and on 22 July 2016 for the Cook community. Flyers providing details of the session were sent to all Cook households. About 12 people attended the session with the Cook community. The comments received helped shape the location and design of the building and a Development Application has been approved.

It is proposed to keep the community informed about the development as the project progresses.

79 to 85 Antill Street Downer

In December 2016, Housing and Community Services commenced community engagement on the redevelopment of four public housing blocks in Antill Street, Downer. A community ‘drop-in’ session on the proposed development was held at the Dickson Group Centre on 7 December 2016.

Residents of nearby properties (approximately 150 dwellings) were notified of the drop-in and letters were sent to a number of resident’s groups, including the Downer Community Association and North Canberra Community Council.

Details of the proposed development were posted on the Your Say website.

There were 241 visitors to the site and 141 pieces of feedback were provided, including 53 submissions. Of those who provided feedback, 91 per cent did not like the proposal.

A meeting was held with two residents from Antill Street who raised issues with the proposed development. The feedback was taken into account in the design process.

A consultation report was submitted with the Development Application which responded to the issues which had been raised. As at 30 June 2017, the Development Application had been submitted and was notified for public comment, with a decision expected in early 2017-18.

Redevelopment of Public Housing Sites under the Public Housing Renewal Program

As part of the Public Housing Renewal Program, Housing ACT has relocated tenants from Owen Flats, Allawah Court, Karuah, Red Hill Housing Precinct, Bega Court and the Northbourne Flats in Braddon and Turner.

All tenants from Owen Flats were relocated by December 2015 and from Allawah Court by December 2016. All tenants from Red Hill Housing Precinct were relocated in March 2017 and from Karuah in June 2017.

Tenant engagement activities commenced at Bega Court at the end of November 2016 and in May 2017 at Northbourne Flats – Braddon and Turner. Tenant engagement activities are still ongoing across these three sites.

Housing ACT use a person-centred approach to engage with tenants being relocated and work with our community sector partners to relocate tenants to new homes. A key component of the program focuses on the support that is provided to tenants before, during and after their relocation. Tenant Relocation Officers work alongside tenants for up to 12 months (nine months prior to relocation and three months post relocation) to facilitate a smooth transition to their homes and communities.

As at 30 June 2017, more than 400 tenancies have been transferred resulting in more than 580 people being moved across the seven sites.

Development of 110 Baldwin Drive Kaleen (Block 28 Section 117)

Consultation for Block 28 Section 117 Kaleen occurred throughout the design and approval process and involved the Huntington Body Corporate, Kaleen High School and Canberra Organic Growers Society.

There was a focus on the works necessary to achieve access to the site in particular making sure that people were able to safely enter and leave the Huntington Apartments while the development works were underway. Further consultation will occur in 2017-18.

Common Ground Canberra

Between July 2016 and June 2017, Housing and Community Services chaired quarterly meetings of the Common Ground Advisory Group. The Group provides high level strategic advice related to the services at Common Ground Canberra and ensures a holistic approach to the wellbeing of residents is maintained in line with the philosophy of a Common Ground model.

Consultation with the Common Ground Advisory Group involved up to ten individuals including representatives from the Common Ground Canberra Board, ACT Health Directorate, Capital Health Network, Northside Community Service and Argyle Community Housing.

The Common Ground Advisory Group is an opportunity for both the Building Manager (Argyle Community Housing) and the support services provider (Northside Community Service) to update on Common Ground activities.

At the March 2017 meeting, Northside Community Service advised that of the 20 social tenants, seven were employed and working, with another five actively looking for work opportunities. Northside Community Service has commenced social work studies and will consult with the Gungahlin community in relation to potential activities at Common Ground.

A consultation meeting was held in June 2017 for all Advisory Group members to meet with Ms Felicity Reynolds, Coordinator of the Common Ground Community of Practice. Members talked with Ms Reynolds around the different Common Ground models across Australia, lessons learnt and effective policies and practice.

Joint Community Government Reference Group

The purpose of the Joint Community Government Reference Group (JCGRG) is to foster a partnership between the ACT Government and community sector to progress social and sustainability policy issues affecting the ACT community and community services sector.

The Reference Group meets every two month and in 2016-17 met seven times. The Reference Group consults with community sector peak bodies, community sector representatives and senior ACT Government officials. There are 19 members of the Reference Group.

ACT Community Services Industry Strategy Steering Group

This ACT Community Services Industry Strategy Steering Group is a subcommittee of the JCGRG. The purpose of the Steering Group is to monitor the implementation of the ACT Community Services Industry Strategy 2016-2026 and report progress to the JCGRG. The group also provides advice to the Minister, who has delegation for decisions on expenditure of the co-contribution levy, to support implementation initiatives. Membership comprises six representatives from the community sector, five representatives from the ACT Government and one consumer representative.

The Steering Group engaged a consultant to undertake broad consultation with the community sector to develop the Strategy, which was released on 6 September 2016. The JCGRG agreed to develop three 3-year implementation plans for the Strategy. The first plan focuses on workforce capability.

The Steering Group engaged a consultant to facilitate a further consultation workshop on 2 June 2017 to develop the first implementation plan. Sixty-five people attended, with wide representation from 43 organisations. Feedback from the workshop will be used to draft the workforce plan and the Steering Group will continue to engage with industry regarding progress against actions.

Breaking of the Fast

Action items under the ACT Multicultural Framework 2015-20, delivered in 2016-17, included to further promote cultural diversity by working with community organisations to celebrate and acknowledge of a wide range of cultural, religious and linguistic events. This included the highly successful ACT Government community partnership to deliver the 2017 Ramadan Iftar in the City event in June 2017. More than 2,000 Muslim and non-Muslim Canberrans came together to share dinner and create better linkages.

Youth Advisory Council

In 2016, the Youth Advisory Council facilitated the Youth Listening Tour: Pop Up Politics to consult young people on what they see as pressing issues affecting them and their peers in their communities. The Council participated in the Social Inclusion: Thinking All Round Youth Think Tank, a joint initiative between the ACT Government and the Australian Government, building on Countering Violent Extremism activities to prevent individuals from radicalisation through a socially inclusive lens. The Think Tank provided young people with the opportunity to come together and discuss the concept of social inclusion through four focus areas: cultural cohesion; inclusive environments; sexual diversity and youthism. This event was successful in encouraging young people to generate possible solutions in order to increase social cohesion and participation.

Youth Tube Short Film Competition

The Youth Tube Short Film Competition aimed to provide an alternate media method to create awareness of issues affecting young people in the Canberra community.

Nineteen short films were created by ACT high school students, addressing the topics of gender diversity, drugs and alcohol, youth homelessness and mental health.

These short films were screened at Dendy Cinema on 28 June 2017, with over 80 high school students attending.

Films were judged based on their creativity, originality and message delivery and prizes awarded to the best films in each category. The People’s Choice Award was determined by online voting via the Youth InterACT Facebook page. This method received a great deal of engagement from the ACT community with a total of over 1,100 votes received. Winners of each category were announced via Facebook live.

Office of the Senior Practitioner

A 2016-17 budget initiative funded consultation with the Canberra community on the establishment of an Office of Senior Practitioner (OSP) in the ACT.

In January 2017, a discussion paper was released by consultants JFA Purple Orange as the first phase of a broader consultation strategy.

A range of accessibility options were available including a website, a phone line, general and targeted community consultations and finally, consultations with professional agencies which continued through to June 2017.

The range of stakeholders included:

• consumers of disability and mental health services
• disability service providers
• staff involved in prison and justice systems
• mental health sector practitioners
• aged care providers
• education representatives
• the Restrictive Practices Oversight Group
• ACT Government
• allied health workers
• staff related to interstate Offices of Senior Practitioner.

Feedback from the community identified restrictive practices as an issue in the ACT and the clear expectation community members have of the benefits an OSP will bring. The report prepared as a result of community consultations will inform the establishment of OSP in the ACT.

Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 Review Consultation

The Community Services Directorate is undertaking a legislative review of the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 to determine whether the Act and the scheme it establishes, is fit-for-purpose given the risks to vulnerable people it is intended to mitigate.

The review involved extensive consultation with government and community stakeholders between August and December 2016 through public consultations, targeted workshops and interviews, an online survey and written submissions to a discussion paper.

A report on the legislative review and its findings will be tabled in the Legislative Assembly during 2017-18.

Reconciliation Day Consultations

In June 2016, the then Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Dr Chris Bourke MLA announced the ACT Government would start a discussion with the Canberra community on a proposal to celebrate Reconciliation with a public holiday. It was proposed to rename one of the existing public holidays – either Family and Community Day or the Queen’s Birthday public holiday – to Reconciliation Day and potentially change the date.

Community consultation took place during June and July 2016 and included letters to key stakeholders seeking written submissions. Face-to-face engagement activities included a public forum, four focus groups and interviews with key stakeholders.

On 4 July 2016, the Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs engaged Elton Consulting to undertake a series of focus groups, public meetings and stakeholder engagement on the proposed change to the public holidays for the Reconciliation Day celebration. Elton Consulting’s report to the ACT Government revealed there was support for a Reconciliation Day public holiday. The extensive community and stakeholder consultation process included:

• 94 written submissions received in response to letters to key stakeholders and the first Time to Talk consultation process
• 150 people responded to the Time to Talk online survey
• 25 participants attended public forums
• six interviews were held with key stakeholders.

On 11 August 2016, a resolution was passed in the Legislative Assembly calling on the ACT Government to work with the community to establish a Reconciliation Day public holiday to commence in 2018 and mark the 50^th Anniversary of the of 1967 Referendum and 25^th Anniversary of the Mabo ruling with significant community events. Community events were held to mark the 50^th Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum and 25^th Anniversary of the Mabo ruling. Work to establish a Reconciliation Day will continue in 2017-18.