Governing the City State - Chief Minister and Treasury Directorate ...

of this department under one minister was hoped to support greater integration across humanservices …While it is apparent silos and cross-communication are still a challenge for DHCS, theoversight of a single minister is one part of the solution in the breaking down of these silos. 209Apart from the discussion of events (see the proposed Chief Minister’s Department section),Therapy ACT (see Health section), and youth justice, there were no structural issues raisedwith the Review in relation to DHCS. Indeed, there was much positive commentary fromexternal stakeholders supporting both the grouping of functions and alignment of portfolioand Ministerial names.The concurrent review of the Bimberi Youth Justice Centre is noted. The possibility ofaligning responsibility for adult and youth corrections in the same agency was raised duringthe Review, but is not supported. There are strong synergies in Youth Justice being part ofthe Office of Children, Youth and Family Support particularly in relation to the provision ofcoordinated support to families in need (and young people in the youth justice system).Like health, however, there are significant policy and budgetary issues within the CommunityServices portfolio that will require close whole of government collaboration to resolve. Thenature of DHCS’ client group places it at the heart of many of the problems facing the ACTGovernment and ACTPS. This requires greater clarification of the social perspective in agenuinely triple bottom line approach to decision making. It will certainly involve engagingwith strategies to manage demand, work cooperatively with New South Wales especially inrelation to child protection across borders, and in the specification and delivery of servicesand service levels.In areas ranging from provision of public housing to child protection, there will need to be asystemic review of drivers and service models. The Review notes the Expenditure Reviewand Evaluation Committee has commenced a review of the delivery of social housing.The Social CompactSubmissions raised the ongoing relevance and desire from non-government organisations toreinforce and extend the social compact, which is:a statement of understanding about the relationship between the ACT Government and thecommunity sector. It provides a framework for relations between the community sector andthe ACT Government by articulating the principles of good communication and partnership.… It aims to continue to improve the working relationship for the benefit of people andcommunities in the ACT. … Importantly, The Social Compact sets out undertakings that eachsector is committed to in working together for the public good. 210209 Submission No.19.210 ACT Government (2004a) The Social Compact A Partnership Between the Community Sector and the ACT Government.Canberra, p. 5.Administrative Arrangements Changes: 157