UnitingCare Australia welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Department of Social
Services’ Discussion Paper, A New Approach to Programs for Families and Children. We support
the Department’s intention to make systems and program structures more streamlined,
reduce administrative burden and improve cost-efficiency in service delivery. Simplifying
processes and reducing duplication allows providers to focus on what matters most—
supporting children and families.

However, efficiency must never come at the expense of impact. Ultimately, the proposed
reforms should be assessed by their ability to deliver the best possible outcomes for children
and families. This will mean the Government’s commitment, both in principle and practice, to
delivering on the outcomes and objectives proposed, ensuring that programs are truly flexible,
evidence-informed and responsive to local needs. The proposed changes will also require
sufficient investment in prevention and early intervention approaches, integrated service
models and culturally safe approaches for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Our response highlights the importance of aligning program design with these principles,
embedding robust outcome measurement frameworks, and drawing on insights from current
program delivery experiences alongside national datasets and wellbeing indicators. We also
support exploration of relational contracting models and long-term funding arrangements to
the extent that such approaches will foster better collaboration and innovation across the
sector.

As the Department advances toward a consolidated program structure, it is crucial to
recognise the breadth and depth of the current service landscape, which reflects years of
dedicated effort and community engagement. Any transition must ensure that the proven
strengths, insights and achievements of existing program streams are not lost in the process—
retaining what works and building on established foundations. To this end, we urge the
Department to provide greater clarity on how the distinctive approaches and objectives of the
five current streams will be thoughtfully integrated, so that consolidation enhances rather than
diminishes the effectiveness of services. Careful consideration and transparent
communication will also be vital to ensure that this reform preserves the value of tailored
initiatives and continues to deliver meaningful outcomes for children and families across
Australia.

Download the PDF to read our submission in full.

About UnitingCare Australia

UnitingCare Australia is the national body for the Uniting Church’s community services network and is an agency of the Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia.

We give voice to the Uniting Church’s commitment to social justice through advocacy and by strengthening community service provisions.

We are the largest network of social service providers in Australia, supporting 1.4 million people every year across urban, rural, and remote communities.

Our aged care network delivers services to approximately 95,000 older people and has more than 220 residential aged care homes across all states and territories, including in capital cities, regional towns, and very remote parts of Australia.

We focus on articulating and meeting the needs of people at all stages of life and those that are most vulnerable.