Review of Co-ordinating NSW Government Action Against Domestic & Family Violence

New South Wales has established clear priorities for tackling domestic and family violence - these priorities are set out in the State Plan. In March 2007, the NSW Government announced a suite of new or enhanced domestic and family violence initiatives to be rolled out by the NSW Police Force, other criminal justice departments and human service agencies.

Background

Recognising the complexity of this issue and the diversity of programs and initiatives to address it, the Government has given a commitment to develop and implement a state-wide strategy to deal with the causes and consequences of domestic violence.

The Government has also given a commitment to establish a central co-ordination function for policies, programs and services aimed at reducing violence against women and tackling domestic and family violence. Prior to implementing this commitment, the Government is undertaking a review of existing structures for co-ordinating action against domestic and family violence.

Review Objectives

To inform the establishment of a centralised function in the Department of Premier and Cabinet, the Review will provide advice to Government on:

• Current approaches in NSW to reduce violence against women, including domestic and family violence, and the strengths and gaps in those approaches;
• Options for achieving better results, including value for money considerations;
• Governance arrangements to support the preferred option.

Consultation

To inform the review process, the Government has asked for community consultation on the following issues:

• With regard to current Government commitments and resources, what might be the responsibilities of the central function in the Department of Premier and Cabinet, and what aspects of current co-ordination practice could transition to it, or be more appropriately undertaken by service delivery agencies?
• What options are available for improving collaboration across Government and non-government agencies responsible for the delivery of priorities and services in this area?
• What options are available for ongoing community input into setting strategic directions and building the relationship between the function in the Department of Premier and Cabinet, and community partners?

Interested individuals and organisations are invited to lodge written submissions on these issues by 12^th October 2007.

The views of key stakeholders in Government is also being sought, particularly the main funding partners and other agencies supporting victims and dealing with perpetrators of domestic and family violence.

Review Process

The review is being undertaken by ARTD Consultants.

The Review is being overseen by a Steering Committee of NSW Government Chief Executive Officers and convened by the Chair of the Human Service and Criminal Justice CEOs cluster.

Timeframe

The Steering Committee will report to the Premier on the findings of the review in early November 2007.

Click here for more information about the NSW Violence Against Women Specialist Unit

To see the advertised call for submissions see www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/events