LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (LHA) has lodged a submission to the Department of Social Services' consultation on draft relational contracting documents.
The consultation sought feedback on a suite of foundational documents that will guide the Department's transition towards more collaborative and outcomes-focused funding relationships with community service organisations. The draft framework includes a Shell Agreement, Governance Framework, Decision Matrix, Provider Readiness Self-Assessment Checklist, Flexibility Policy, Readiness Roadmap and supporting Glossary.
LHA welcomed the Department's commitment to relational contracting and its emphasis on shared outcomes, continuous learning, proportional governance, reduced administrative burden and greater flexibility to respond to changing community needs.
Our submission notes that more collaborative funding arrangements also have the potential to strengthen workforce sustainability and retention within specialist community-based services, contributing to improved continuity of support for LGBTIQ+ people and other priority populations.
LHA's submission makes a number of recommendations to strengthen the framework, including:
- recognising community-led organisations as strategic partners in achieving shared outcomes
- embedding equity, cultural safety and lived experience more consistently throughout the framework
- recognising the expertise that community-led organisations contribute through trusted relationships, community leadership and lived experience
- supporting continuous learning and capability development across both funded organisations and government
- ensuring reporting and governance arrangements remain proportionate and minimise unnecessary administrative burden.
LHA appreciates the opportunity to contribute to the consultation and looks forward to the continued development and implementation of the relational contracting framework.
