1. Program Overview
1.1 Program Outcomes
The Gender Equality for Women Program provides funding for the implementation of strategies in priority areas to achieve gender equality.
Aims and objectives
The Minister for the Status of Women, the Hon Tanya Plibersek, has identified three key priorities that inform her work. They are:
- Improving women’s economic outcomes;
- Ensuring women’s equal place in society; and
- Reducing violence against women.
1.2 Activity
Gender Equality for Women comprises three strategies:
- Reducing Violence against Women
- The Women’s Leadership and Development Strategy
- The Support for Victims of Trafficking Strategy.
Aims and objectives
- Reducing violence against women.
- Demonstrating Australian Government leadership on gender equality.
- Increasing opportunities for women to contribute to Government decisions.
- Increasing opportunities for women to undertake valued leadership roles.
- Creating business and work place cultures that deliver better economic choices and outcomes for women.
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2. Responsibilities and accountabilities under the program
2.1 FaHCSIA responsibilities and accountabilities
Program governance arrangements for both the Office for Women and Safety Taskforce program areas include, but are not limited by, a legal funding agreement between FaHCSIA and the service provider. The abovementioned program areas are located in FaHCSIA National Office and can be contacted through appropriate contact details contained with selection documentation associated with grants or funding rounds.
FaHCSIA’s corporate and governance priorities include;
- Our business is based on evidence
- We are effective and inclusive
- We value our people
- We manage effectively and with integrity
- We set the direction and plan for the future
FaHCSIA is committed to quality services and seek to select service providers on the basis of meeting the statement of requirements set out in the selection documentation. Assessments are conducted in a clear and ethical manner and rated using an evaluation criterion with agreed weightings which has been approved prior to advertising.
These procedures are outlined in the Financial Management and Accountability Act (1977), the Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines, Procurement Circulars and FaHCSIA’s internal Chief Executive’s Instructions (CEIs) and Financial Rules (FRs).
2.2 Service provider responsibilities and accountabilities
The Funding Agreement is the legal agreement between FaHCSIA and the service provider over the funding period. The service provider must comply with all the requirements of the Funding Agreement in managing funding and service provision.
To meet the requirements of the Funding Agreement, the service provider’s responsibilities are:
- providing quality services which are effective, efficient, and appropriately targeted;
- working collaboratively to deliver the program;
- contributing to the overall development and improvement of the program such as sharing best practice and participating in Evaluation; and
- complying with all relevant legislation; including but not limited to the:
- Privacy Act 1988;
- Racial Discrimination Act 1975;
- Sex Discrimination Act 1984;
- Disability Discrimination Act 1992;
- Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S); and
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws.
- any applicable state or territory law relating to discrimination; and
- any state/territory laws regarding young people who are under 18 years of age such as mandatory reporting requirements and police checks (Youth Programs).
Providers should also be aware of any case based law that may apply or affect their service delivery.
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3. Risk management strategy
The program manager will ensure compliance with the Public Service Act and the Financial Management and Accountability Act. Financial requirements will be managed through open communication with business and Financial Services Group of FaHCSIA. Regulation 10 compliance will be put in place where necessary.
It is the responsibility of the program manager to ensure that documentation of processes, work requirements and progress is maintained. Proactive management strategies, open communication and effective stakeholder management will ensure that issues are addressed as they arise in a timely manner.
Program management will involve working to a tight timeframe with the support of a project timeframe planner.
Financial Viability checks will be conducted on all service providers before funding agreements are negotiated. These will be conducted by a consultant, selected from the Financial Services Panel.
FaHCSIA’s standard Funding Agreement contains the terms and conditions that the service provider must comply with.
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4. Performance management and evaluation
4.1 Performance framework and reporting
Performance must be reported in progress reports and a final report as outlined in the Funding Agreement with the Department. Annual audited financial acquittal reports and a final acquittal report will also be required.
The following performance indicators will measure performance of each program activity:
- Whether the program has achieved the agreed goals and objectives as stated in the Funding Agreement.
- Whether the program participants are satisfied with delivery of the Program.
Information on program performance against these indicators must be included in progress reports as outlined in the Funding Agreement.
4.2 Financial Reporting
The Gender Equality for Women program will be managed to ensure the efficient and effective use of public monies. This will be consistent with best value in social services principles, the FaHCSIA Funding Agreement and will aiming to maintain viable services and act to prevent fraud upon the Commonwealth.
Program funding must only be used for the purposes for which it was provided.
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5. Complaints
5.1 Service Provider
The service provider can contact the complaints service with complaints about FaHCSIA’s service(s) or the service of another FaHCSIA funded service provider.
Details of what constitutes an eligible complaint can be provided upon request by FaHCSIA. The service provider can lodge a complaint through the following channels:
Telephone: 1800 634 035
Fax: (02) 6204 4587
Mail: FaHCSIA Complaints, PO Box 7576. Canberra Business Centre, 2610
If a provider is at any time dissatisfied with the Department’s handling of a complaint, they can contact the Commonwealth Ombudsman (www.ombudsman.gov.au) or phone 1300 362 072.
5.2 Client/Customer
It is expected that all service providers would have a complaints process for clients.