Children and Families
Another prominent feature of government, this department is a mess not only in the NT but across Australia. Recent positions expressed by the Federal Minister indicate that the level of ‘out-of-home’ care is the highest ever so far in our experience.
Restructuring the department into a ‘flatter’ structure that effectively removes ‘management clogs’ is a key.
Middle managers who are working well in their positions will be elevated to the senior management team (that includes the incumbent Minister). Each senior manager (with the exception of the Minister) will be directly responsible for a number of operational team members and they will report activity to each other in a two-way simplistic and meaningful manner with projected outcomes and time-lines for achieving those outcomes.
This idea is also a beginning of negotiations. Being guided by significant players ‘on the ground’ including partners within and outside ‘the system’ is imperative. The levels of dysfunction within this department, the work loads of ridiculous proportion and the ‘band-aid’ approach to solutions must cease. I will work extensively to get this department working much better than it currently does. There are some very good people working within this department and I would be guided by their wisdom, experience and courage.
The Hon. Malarndirri McCarthy, former Minister for this portfolio, launched an Inquiry in November last year to investigate ways in which this organisation is currently operating. She is to be congratulated on her initiative. The government now needs to be open, honest and transparent in rolling out recommendations that are forthcoming from this Inquiry. The whole-of-community is socially responsible for ensuring that if all of the adults help to care for and about all on the kids, we have an opportunity to grow these generations forward in a healthy and robust manner. The art of positive thinking that creates positive energy is a fundamental key to success. I look forward to the findings being presented to the community as they come to hand. Recommendations need to be implemented and actioned as soon as possible.
Additional to these issues, will be the promotion of an Alice Springs Youth Precinct to incorporate Anzac Oval, Anzac Middle School, Red Dust Theatre, Alice Springs Youth Centre and the Senior Citizens Centre. This builds the opportunity for young people and older to come together to learn about and from each other. The Precinct utilises already established infrastructures including the change room and canteen facilities that are in drastic need of a refurbishment. The Headspace central Australia initiative will also be invited to be included in the development of the precinct.