Jenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and on behalf of Senators Rice, Hinch, Lambie and Kakoschke-Moore, move:

That the following matter be referred to the Finance and Public Administration References Committee for inquiry and report by 14 November 2017:

The delivery of National Outcome 4 of the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and Their Children 2010-2022, 'Services meet the needs of women and their children experiencing violence,' insofar as that Outcome is given effect by the 1800 RESPECT Domestic and Sexual Violence National Counselling Service ("the service"), with particular reference to:

(a) the adequacy and quality of counselling provided, including:

  (i) the funding made available for counselling,

  (ii) the counselling model and associated counselling practices,

  (iii) the protection of privacy and confidentiality for those who use the service,

  (iv) the efficacy and appropriateness of the triage model adopted in relation to the service in 2016, and

  (v) the infrastructure required for the provision of the service;

(b) the procurement arrangements for the service, including contractual and tender arrangements;

(c) the engagement of staff and contractors, including:

  (i) their qualifications and working conditions,

  (ii) the professional standards and ethical obligations applicable to those providing the service, and

  (iii) the oversight and quality assurance undertaken in relation to those providing the service;

(d) evaluation arrangements for the service;

(e) best practice for domestic and sexual violence counselling; and

(f) any other related matters.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Gavin Marshall (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government supports 1800RESPECT and is providing an extra $5 million per year to the service to ensure it continues to provide world-class support to victims of sexual assault and family and domestic violence. The government is pleased that three highly experienced not-for-profit domestic violence organisations, DV Connect in Queensland, Safe Steps in Victoria and Women's Safety Services in South Australia, have agreed to the contract arrangements and will now provide the specialist trauma counselling component of the 1800RESPECT service as part of a new panel model. Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia were invited to be part of the model but declined the offer to participate.

The government also notes the ongoing workloads of committees and committee secretariats and expresses its concern at additional references.

Question agreed to.