Background
The Commonwealth, States and Territories are working together to progress the development of a National Quality Framework to achieve better outcomes for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness by improving the quality and integration of services they receive.
All governments acknowledge that the best way to develop a National Quality Framework is in partnership with stakeholders through a national consultation process.
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First stage consultations
The first stage consultations are now complete. These consultations sought to gather ideas on what quality service provision is, introduce the concept of a National Quality Framework and gather feedback on the components it may include.
Input came from people experiencing homelessness, service providers, community groups and others with an interest in improving the quality of service for people who are homeless. The consultations comprised:
- 16 public consultation workshops in all states and territories with over 850 participants;
- Interviews and focus groups with 78 people experiencing homelessness including a component specifically focused on Indigenous Australians;
- 20 in-depth interviews with service providers that would have difficulty attending the public consultation workshops; and
- 37 written submissions.
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The discussion paper
The discussion paper: A national quality framework to support quality services for people experiencing homelessness provided the basis for stage one of the consultations. It sought to promote discussion on the key concepts that are associated with a National Quality Framework, set out the principles that will guide its development and implementation, identify the scope of its application and explore its potential components.
The paper contains a number of key questions. Responses to these questions together with other feedback received from first stage consultations will guide the shape and content of the range of options that will be considered as part of the second stage consultation process.
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Consultation Reports (feedback from stage one)
Consultations concerning a National Quality Framework for the provision of Services to People who are Homeless or at Risk. This report was prepared by Ipsos-Eureka Social Research Institute. This report is based on consultations conducted by Ipsos-Eureka with 47 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and 20 service providers on quality service provision. The report also contains feedback recorded from 16 public consultation workshops held across all states and territories. The views and perspectives gathered in the report will contribute to the development of the Homelessness National Quality Framework Options Paper.
Informing a National Quality Framework: Consultations with homeless Aboriginal people in Darwin regarding service provision. This report was prepared by Catherine Holmes Consulting who conducted consultations with Indigenous people experiencing homelessness in the Darwin area on quality service provision. The views and perspectives gathered and analysed in the report will contribute to the development of the Homelessness National Quality Framework Options Paper.
A National Quality Framework to support quality services for people experiencing homelessness, Stage one consultations, February to April 2010 Summary of written submissions received in response to the Discussion Paper. This summary looks at the ideas provided during the first stage consultations from the 37 written submissions received from individuals and organisations.
Second stage consultations
Feedback from first stage consultations will guide the development of a more detailed options paper that will be released later in 2010. It will identify several possible options for a National Quality Framework and provide analysis of the relative costs and benefits of those options.
A second round of consultations based on this options paper will lead to a preferred option for a National Quality Framework.
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Our guiding principles
The following four key principles will underpin the development and implementation of a national quality framework.
Principle 1: Services and governments will work together to develop a national quality framework and accept joint responsibility for quality service provision.
Principle 2: Minimising red tape will be a key consideration in the development of a national quality framework.
Principle 3: A national quality framework will build on and add value to existing quality systems.
Principle 4: There will be a supportive and enabling approach to implementation.
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How to participate in this consultation process
The second stage consultations will be held in the second half of 2010. The details of these consultations will be posted on this website when finalised.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A frequently asked questions facility about the National Quality Framework will be updated as required.
Full Details: Frequently Asked Questions