Social Policy Analysis on Transnatioanal Parternship oh Homelessness

  This assessment asks you to fully and critically analyse your chosen social policy. This is the policy I selected (Transnational Partnership on Homelessness- since this was the Policy I looked at for the first assignment) . You must use the framework provided below - it is also available in the notes of unit 6. Not every part of the analytical framework will be relevant to your policy - you will make informed choices about what is important in your policy. Your analysis must be a critique not a description - this means you must examine the assumptions and taken for granted aspects of the policy and use literature to support your analytical claims. Your analysis may include a demonstration of your understanding of social policy principles and issues as well as, and as they are relevant to, specific aspects of your chosen policy. Part of your analysis must include a critical analysis of the values and ideology which underpin your policy but cannot be a substantive copy of that assignment. You are expected to summarise and condense your analysis of the values and ideologies. The assignment is 2,500 words and 10% more or less is acceptable. You should use the major headings in the framework but not the questions. It is expected you will include literature from the subject and also from other sources. You must use APA referencing style. N.B: I will attach also my first assignment and feedback from my teacher just for your reference. OVERVIEW 1. This National Partnership (the Agreement) is created subject to the provisions of the Intergovernmental Agreement on Federal Financial Relations (IGA FFR) and should be read in conjunction with that Agreement and its Schedules, which provide information in relation to performance reporting and payment arrangements under the IGA FFR. Purpose 2. In entering this Agreement, the Commonwealth and the States and Territories (the States) recognise they have a mutual interest in improving outcomes in the rate of homelessness in Australia and need to work together to achieve this outcome. 3. This is a one-year transitional Agreement for 2017-18 to provide support primarily to homelessness service providers through matched Commonwealth and State and Territory (State) funding, to enable the continuation of National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness (NPAH) funded service delivery, while the Commonwealth and States discuss longer-term arrangements and reforms to housing assistance and homelessness services. 4. This Agreement will contribute to reducing homelessness levels across Australia, noting that a reduction in homelessness requires: (a) targeting priority groups – people experiencing domestic and family violence, especially women and children; children; and youth; (b) targeting key groups, including people experiencing homelessness more than once; Indigenous people; people exiting social housing and institutional care, such as health and mental health services, juvenile justice or adult prisons; and rough sleepers; and (c) recognising the relationship between overcrowding, housing and homelessness. 3 5. States retain flexibility around the mix of services to maximise efficiency and effectiveness. This Agreement contributes to the objective of the National Affordable Housing Agreement that all Australians have access to affordable, safe and sustainable housing that contributes to social and economic participation. The National Affordable Housing Specific Purpose Payment (NAHA SPP) also supports housing and homelessness services. 6. This Agreement is aligned with the Closing the Gap in Indigenous Disadvantage agenda which seeks to improve life outcomes for Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islander Australians noting Indigenous people in urban, remote and regional Australia are overrepresented amongst people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness. 7. This Agreement is aligned with the key objectives of the National Disability Strategy 2010–2020 which seeks to improve the lives of people with disability, promote participation, and create a more inclusive society. The Parties are committed to supporting the vision of the National Disability Strategy, as agreed by the Council of Australian Governments, for ‘an inclusive Australian society that enables people with disability to fulfil their potential as equal citizens’, and to the aims of the Strategy, which include driving ‘improved performance of mainstream services in delivering outcomes for people with disability’. 8. This Agreement is aligned with the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022 (National Plan) which seeks to bring together the efforts of all Australian governments to make a real and sustained reduction in the levels of violence against women. The Parties are committed to supporting the vision of the National Plan, that Australian women and their children live free from violence in safe communities. In supporting this vision the Parties acknowledge the importance of ensuring frontline services in all jurisdictions continue to meet the needs of vulnerable women and children, as noted by the Council of Australian Governments in April 2015. Reporting Arrangements 9. The States will report against the agreed performance milestones during the operation of the Agreement, as set out in Part 4 – Performance Monitoring and Reporting. Financial Arrangements 10. The Commonwealth will provide an estimated total financial contribution to the States of $117.2 million (GST exclusive) in respect of this Agreement, as set out in Part 5 – Financial Arrangements. PART 1 — FORMALITIES Parties to this Agreement 11. This Agreement is between the Commonwealth of Australia (the Commonwealth) and the States and Territories (the States). Term of the Agreement 12. This Agreement will commence on 1 July 2017, or when the Commonwealth and one other Party have signed the Agreement, whichever is later. It will expire on 30 June 2018 4 or on completion of the project, including final performance reportingP0F P and processing of final payments against milestones. The Agreement may be terminated earlier or extended as agreed in writing by the Parties. PART 2 — OBJECTIVE, OUTCOMES AND OUTPUTS Objective 13. The Agreement aims to reduce homelessness through sustained effort and partnerships with business, the not for profit sector and the community. Outcomes 14. This Agreement will contribute to the following outcomes: (a) the continuation of frontline homelessness service delivery, which contributes to the following four outcomes: i. fewer people will become homeless; ii. fewer people will become homeless more than once; iii. people at risk of experiencing homelessness will maintain or improve connections with their families and communities, and maintain or improve their education, training or employment participation; and iv. people at risk of or experiencing homelessness will be supported by quality services, with improved access to stable accommodation. (b) the continuation of reform of service delivery in order to ensure the response for those at risk of or experiencing homelessness is integrated, holistic and in line with best practice. Outputs 15. The objectives and outcomes of this Agreement will be achieved by the effort applied to the following outputs, as outlined in Project Plans: Priority outputs (a) support services for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence, including to stay in their present housing where it is safe to do so; (b) support services to young people aged 12 to 24 years who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to re-engage with their family where it is safe to do so, maintain stable accommodation and engagement with education and/or employment; (c) support services for children who are homeless or at risk of homelessness including but not limited to maintaining contact with the education system; Additional outputs (d) support services and accommodation to assist older people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness; 1 Final performance reporting is due on 1 September 2018 in accordance with Clause 31 of this Agreement. 5 (e) support services to assist homeless people with substance abuse issues to secure or maintain stable accommodation; (f) support services to assist homeless people with mental health issues to secure or maintain stable accommodation; (g) support services for homeless people, including families with children, to stabilise their situation and to achieve sustainable housing; (h) outreach programs to connect rough sleepers to long-term housing and health services; (i) support services for people exiting institutional care, including those who have had recent contact with the juvenile or adult justice systems, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness; (j) legal services to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness as a result of legal issues including family violence, tenancy or debt; (k) support for private and public tenants to help sustain their tenancies, including through tenancy support, advocacy, case management, financial counselling and referral services; (l) improvements in service coordination and provision; and (m) workforce development strategies and career progression opportunities for workers in homelessness services PART 3 — ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF EACH PARTY 16. To realise the objectives and commitments in this Agreement, each Party has specific roles and responsibilities, as outlined below. Role of the Commonwealth 17. The Department of Social Services (DSS) has policy responsibility for this Agreement, while the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) will assist with the management of associated data. The Commonwealth agrees to be accountable for the following roles and responsibilities: (a) providing a financial contribution to the States to support the implementation of this Agreement; (b) coordinating the development of Project Plans, including any exemption arrangements to participate in the Specialist Homelessness Services Collection (SHSC) as per clause 30 of this Agreement, in partnership with the States; (c) monitoring and assessing performance in the delivery of services and projects under this Agreement to ensure that outputs are delivered and outcomes are achieved within the agreed timeframe; and (d) monitoring homelessness service delivery expenditure and participation in the SHSC through confirming quarterly that all in-scope initiatives and services are participating in the SHSC, or have been provided with an exemption as negotiated. 6 Role of the States and Territories 18. The States agree to be accountable for the following roles and responsibilities: (a) providing a matching financial contribution to support the implementation of this Agreement; (b) delivering on outcomes and outputs assigned to the States for implementation; (c) complying with relevant standards and guidelines and statutory requirements in delivering outcomes and outputs under this Agreement; (d) developing Project Plans to demonstrate how priority and additional outputs will be delivered on, in accordance with the template at Schedule A to this Agreement, and in consultation with the Commonwealth; (e) ensuring funded services and initiatives that are in-scope for the SHSC participate in the SHSC, or have an exemption from participation agreed by the Commonwealth; (f) monitoring and assessing progress against Project Plans under this Agreement; (g) reporting on the delivery of outcomes and outputs as set out in Part 4 – Performance Monitoring and Reporting; and (h) conducting any evaluations and reviews of services and outputs delivered under this Agreement. Shared roles and responsibilities 19. The Commonwealth and the States share the following roles and responsibilities: (a) participating in consultations as appropriate regarding the implementation of this Agreement; and (b) negotiating new or revised Schedules, including Project Plans and exemptions for services to participate in the SHSC if necessary, to this Agreement. 20. The Parties will meet the requirements of Schedule E, Clause 26 of the IGA FFR, by ensuring that prior agreement is reached on the nature and content of any events, announcements, promotional material or publicity relating to activities under a Project Plan, and that the roles of both Parties will be acknowledged and recognised appropriately. Project Plans 21. The Commonwealth and the States will agree to Project Plans that will set out each jurisdiction’s strategy for delivering on priority outputs and additional outputs for the term of this Agreement, including financial information where applicable. These Project Plans may be an update to 2015-17 Project Plans. 22. The Project Plans will be agreed by the Commonwealth and State Ministers with portfolio responsibility for homelessness after agreement by departmental officials. 23. Variations to Project Plans that impact on a State’s ability to meet the outcomes and objectives of this Agreement or directly affect milestones and their achievement are subject to written agreement between the Ministers. Other variations or updates to 7 Project Plans are subject to the agreement of senior Commonwealth and State officials in accordance with clause 50 of this Agreement. 24. States will provide their Project Plan to the Commonwealth by 1 July 2017 or on signing the Agreement, whichever is later. This will include: (a) a description of relevant state and territory context and reform directions; (b) any new or current innovative approaches to be implemented in 2017-18 that will prioritise domestic and family violence, and youth homelessness; (c) the expected level of total matched funding in 2017-18; (d) the expected level of funding delivered to domestic and family violence, and youth homelessness, in accordance with clauses 15 (a), 15 (b) and 15 (c); (e) a list of initiatives and description of how initiatives contribute towards the outputs listed in clause 15 of this Agreement; (f) identification of initiatives addressing the priority outputs listed at clauses 15 (a), 15 (b) and 15 (c) of this Agreement; (g) a list of the service providers and the services (grouped by initiative) that will be funded under the Agreement and a breakdown of how much funding each service will receive, with the amount of funding each service is receiving to be kept in-confidence by the Commonwealth; (h) any expected reports, evaluations and reviews that are planned for 2017-18, which will contribute to the final update to the Commonwealth; and (i) description of exemptions to participate in the SHSC based on existing nonparticipation in the SHSC and any exemptions negotiated with the Commonwealth, as detailed under clause 30 of this Agreement. 25. The Commonwealth and States will ensure timely agreement of Project Plans within 21 days of their provision to the Commonwealth. Commonwealth funding for each State will be finalised subject to the agreement of their Project Plans. 26. The States will provide the Commonwealth with the tables in the Project Plan in both PDF and in a text format. PART 4 — PERFORMANCE MONITORING AND REPORTING Performance indicators 27. Achievement of the objectives and outcomes in this Agreement will be informed with reference to the following performance indicator: (a) At least 25 per cent of total matched funding is allocated to the priority outputs in each State, noting that States retain flexibility around the mix of services to maximise efficiency and effectiveness. The Commonwealth acknowledges that some States choose to overmatch the Commonwealth contribution. State contributions in excess of the Commonwealth contribution are not subject to the requirements of this clause. 8 Performance milestones 28. The States agree to meet project milestones in accordance with the table below: Due Date Milestone Responsibility 1 July 2017 • The Project Plan is submitted to the Commonwealth, as per clause 24, which include: • Strategic overview of the implementation strategy, containing an overview of services, current reform directions, and any innovative approaches to addressing homelessness. • Expected funding to the priority outputs at 15 (a), 15 (b) and 15 (c). Level of total matched funding expected to be spent during 2017-18. • List of service providers and associated funding for 2017-18. • Description of how each initiative and services contribute towards the outputs listed in clause 15. • Description of exemptions to participate in the SHSC provided based on existing nonparticipation in the SHSC and any other exemptions negotiated with the Commonwealth. • Identification of any expected reports, reviews or evaluations that would contribute to the final update to the Commonwealth. Reporting arrangements 29. The States agree to provide reports as detailed in clause 28, Performance Milestones. 30. Client outcomes will be reported using data from the SHSC held by the AIHW, with DSS responsible for confirming participation in the SHSC. All funded initiatives and services that are in-scope for the SHSC must participate in the SHSC unless an exemption is provided by the Commonwealth. Exemptions will be negotiated between the Commonwealth and States in legitimate circumstances where data would not be required. If an exemption was granted under the 2015-17 NPAH, and the same circumstances exist for a service funded under this Agreement, this should be listed in the State’s Project Plan and will be continued. (a) If through the existing reporting provided by AIHW under the SHSC, it is found a service funded under the Agreement is not participating in the SHSC and has not been granted an exemption, the States, together with the Commonwealth, will work towards rectifying any issues preventing this service from participating in the SHSC. If issues are not resolved following an opportunity for review, the Commonwealth funding contribution to the State for this service may be suspended. (b) States will allow the AIHW to provide the Department of Social Services (DSS) information to monitor agency participation in the SHSC and confidential client level data, including a unique identifier for agencies funded under the Agreement, to inform reporting on client outcomes in relation to NPAH funding. The data provided by the AIHW will not be able to ascertain the identity of SHS clients and agencies, and will satisfy all privacy and confidentiality requirements. (c) The Commonwealth will monitor agency reporting in the SHSC. States agree to complete information through the SHSC regarding: i. non-participation indicator and reason (if applicable); and ii. NPAH funding indicator. (d) The AIHW will continue to allow three months for agencies to submit their data and will notify DSS of agencies which are required to participate but have not submitted data into the SHSC after the reporting due date. 31. States will provide a final update to the Commonwealth by 1 September 2018: (a) Based on the evaluations and reviews of services and outputs delivered under the Agreement, and an assessment of progress against Project Plans; and (b) Including a statement of assurance that the State has matched the Commonwealth contribution in 2017-18 and that the SACS funding was delivered in accordance with clause 41. 32. Any evaluations or reviews of services that States expect to complete in the normal course of monitoring services under the NPAH and are expected to contribute to the final update, should be identified in the Project Plan. Where possible, timeframes should also be noted. In particular, the final update should include how these evaluations or reviews demonstrate performance or achievements against the objective, outcomes and outputs of the Agreement. PART 5 — FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS Financial contributions 33. The Commonwealth will provide a maximum financial contribution to the States of up to $117.2 million in respect of this Agreement. 34. States will match the Commonwealth contribution only with funding for service delivery and this funding will contribute to the outputs of this Agreement. State proposals for matched funding will be assessed by the Commonwealth and included in Project Plans. 35. States are required to demonstrate how matched funding is allocated. In accordance with clause 27(a) of this Agreement, this includes demonstrating that at least 25 per cent of the total matched funding is allocated to the priority outputs at clauses 15 (a), 15 (b) and 15 (c), in accordance with clause 24 (d) and their Project Plans. State contributions in excess of the Commonwealth contribution are not subject to the requirements of clause 27(a). 36. If States choose not to match the full Commonwealth funding commitment under this Agreement, the Commonwealth may reduce its funding to match the States’ contribution. Funding levels will also be dependent on services that are in-scope for the SHSC participating in the SHSC or receiving an exemption. Where a service does not participate and an exemption has not been provided, the Commonwealth funding to the State for that service will be suspended if the issue has not been rectified as detailed under clause 30 of this Agreement. 37. The Commonwealth is committed to ensuring there is transparency and accountability in how States match the Commonwealth contribution, including maintenance of overall homelessness service delivery expenditure across the portfolio. Any reduction in overall homelessness service delivery expenditure will be identified through the relevant table(s) in the homelessness chapter from the January 2017, 2018 and 2019 Report on Government Services (RoGS) reports and may inform any future homelessness arrangements. 38. Commonwealth contributions for service delivery will be paid monthly, in advance, providing that milestones set out under clause 28 of this Agreement are met. Payments will begin from the commencement of this Agreement, for each jurisdiction, providing that the Project Plans are agreed. 39. Any conditions and agreements negotiated in this Agreement, such as the arrangements of matched funding, payment structure and value of payments, will not set a precedent for any future funding arrangements. 40. Should the States not meet their matched funding requirements by meeting the required expenditure against the priority and additional outputs listed in clause 15 of this Agreement, the Commonwealth may withhold payments until all requirements are met, including the provision of evidence as indicated in service lists to be provided under clause 24. 41. States will ensure that supplementation funding of $2.2 million for the Pay Equity Orders is distributed to Eligible Service Providers in 2017-18 through a clear and fair process that is consistent with the principles of procedural fairness. States will be responsible for ensuring supplementation is only provided to Eligible Service Providers. The amount of supplementation funding each State is required to distribute is set out in Table 1. 42. The Commonwealth’s and the States’ estimated financial contribution to the operation of this Agreement, including through National Partnership payments to the States paid in accordance with Schedule D — Payment Arrangements of the IGA FFR, are shown in PART 6 — GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS Enforceability of the Agreement 43. The Parties do not intend any of the provisions of this Agreement to be legally enforceable. However, that does not lessen the Parties’ commitment to this Agreement. Review of the Agreement 44. In accordance with clauses 28, 31 and 37 of this Agreement, any future homelessness arrangements may be informed by updates provided to the Commonwealth and by RoGS reports. Longer-term funding arrangements and the respective roles of the Commonwealth, state and territory governments will be considered in the context of broader discussions on housing and homelessness reforms. Variation of the Agreement 45. The Agreement may be amended at any time by agreement in writing by all the Parties. 46. A Party to the Agreement may terminate their participation in the Agreement at any time by notifying all the other Parties in writing. Delegations 47. The relevant Commonwealth Minister with portfolio responsibility for homelessness is authorised to agree and amend Schedules, including Project Plans, to this Agreement and to certify that milestones specified under this Agreement have been achieved so that payments can be made. 48. Respective State Ministers with portfolio responsibility for homelessness and/or housing are authorised to agree and amend Schedules, including Project Plans, to this Agreement. 49. The Commonwealth Minister may delegate the assessment of the authorisation of related project payments to senior Commonwealth officials, having regard to the financial and policy risks associated with those payments. 50. The Commonwealth and State Ministers with portfolio responsibility for homelessness and/or housing may delegate to senior Commonwealth and State officials the assessment and authorisation of administrative amendments to the Schedules, including Project Plans, where these changes will not impact on a State’s ability to meet the outcomes and objectives of this Agreement. Dispute resolution 51. Any Party may give notice to other Parties of a dispute under this Agreement. 52. Officials of relevant Parties will attempt to resolve any dispute in the first instance. 53. If a dispute cannot be resolved by officials, it may be escalated to the relevant Ministers. Transitional National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness 2017−18 The Parties have confirmed their commitment to this agreement as follows: Signed for and on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia by The Honourable Malcolm Turnbull MP Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia Signed for and on behalf of the State of New South Wales by The Honourable Gladys Berejikilan MP Premier of the State of New South Wales [Day] [Month] [Year] Signed for and on behalf of the State of Queensland by The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk MP Premier of the State of Queensland [Day] [Month] [Year] Signed for and on behalf of the State of South Australia by The Honourable Jay Weatherill MP Premier of the State of South Australia [Day] [Month] [Year] Signed for and on behalf of the Australian Capital Territory by Andrew Barr MLA Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory [Day] [Month] [Year] Signed for and on behalf of the State of Victoria by The Honourable Daniel Andrews MP Premier of the State of Victoria [Day] [Month] [Year] Signed for and on behalf of the State of Western Australia by The Honourable Mark McGowan MLA Premier of the State of Western Australia [Day] [Month] [Year] Signed for and on behalf of the State of Tasmania by The Honourable Will Hodgman MP Premier of the State of Tasmania [Day] [Month] [Year] Signed for and on behalf of the Northern Territory by The Honourable Michael Gunner MLA Chief Minister of the Northern Territory of Australia [Day] [Month] [Year] 13 Transitional National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness - 2017. 18 The Parties have confirmed their commitment to this agreement as follows: Signed for and on behalf of the Commomvealth of Australia by The Honourable Malcolm Turnbull MP Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia SLgne^J°L,n^°".. behalf of the sisnedL. for and on ^V of the State of New South Wales by ' ' SMe of Victoria by The Honourable Gladys Berejiklian MP Premier of the State of New South Wales [Day] [Month] [Year] The Honourable Daniel Andrews MP Premier of the State of Victoria [Day] [Month] [Year] Signed for and on behalf of the State of Queensland by SISned for and on behalf of the State of Western Australia by The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk MP Premier of the State of Queensland [Day] [Month] [Year] The Honourable Mark McGowan MLA Premier of the State of Western Australia [Day] [Month] [Year] Signed for and on behalf of the State of South Australia by Signed for and on behalf of the State of Tasmania by The Honourable Jay Weatherill MP Premier of the State of South Australia [Day] [Month] [Year] The Honourable Will dgman MP Premier of the State of Tasmania [Day] [Month] [Year] Signed for and on behalf of the Australian Capital Territory by Signed for and on behalf of the Northern Territory by Andrew Barr MLA Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory [Day] [Month] [Year] The Honourable Michael GunnerMLA Chief Minister of the Northern Territory of Australia [Day] [Month] [Year] The Parties have confirmed their commitment to this agreement as follows: Signed for and on behalf o f the Commonwealth of Australia by The Honourable Malcolm Turnbull MP Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia [Day] [Month] [Year] Signed for and on behalf o f the Signed for and on behalf of the State of New South Wales by State of Victoria by The Honourable Gladys Berejiklian MP Premier of the State of New South Wales The Honourable Daniel Andrews MP Premier of the State of V ctoria [Day] [Month] [Year] [Day] [Month] [Year] Signed for and on behalf of the Signed for and o be l f of the State of Queensland by State of Western A The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk MP The Honourable _ Roger Cook MLA Premier of the State of Queensland Deputy Premier of the State of Western Australia [Day] [Month] [Year] [Day] [Month] [Year] 5- j i a j _ 2411 Signed for and on behalf of the Signed for and on behalf of the State of South Australia by State of Tasmania by The Honourable Jay Weatherill MP Premier of the State of South Australia The Honourable Will Hodgman MP Premier of the State of Tasmania [Day] [Month] [Year] [Day] [Month] [Year] Signed for and on behalf of the Australian Capital Territory by Andrew Barr MLA Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory [Day] [Month] [Year] Signed for and on behalf of the Northern Territory by The Honourable Miciael Gunner MLA Chief Minister of the Northern Territory of Australia [Day] [Month] [Year]