Service Sector Reform Project Report

Consultations with the Victorian community sector on reform of services for vulnerable people have highlighted the need for comprehensive, targeted and systemic change to deliver better and more effective supports, according to the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS).

The release of the interim report – Service Sector Reform: Reflections on the consultations – by independent project leader Professor Peter Shergold AC captures feedback from the community sector and the public on the discussion paper for the Victorian Government’s Sector Service Reform project.

VCOSS Acting CEO Carolyn Atkins said Professor Shergold clearly identified the need for better collaboration and coordination between and within government and organisations to better support individuals and communities.

"The paper also highlights the need to reduce the burden of red tape that currently reduces the effectiveness of our community services," she said.

"This will allow for the creativity and talent that clearly resides in the services system to be better applied to innovative and integrated service delivery." 

Professor Shergold’s paper was developed based on feedback from consultations held across Victoria and attended by more than 600 people and through more than 80 written submissions. VCOSS assisted to facilitate many of the consultations, as a partner in the project.

A snapshot from the consultations captures the top five priorities for reform as being to:

1. Focus more on outcomes.
2. Increase collaboration across services.
3. Explore new funding models and improve reporting and database systems.
4. Improve workforce capability.
5. Improve research and evidence.

"VCOSS looks forward to working further with Professor Shergold, community sector organisations and the Victorian Government to identify key options for reform that will support improved outcomes for vulnerable Victorians," Atkins said.

The Service Sector Reform: Reflections on the consultations paper is available here.