Together, we are actively commissioning more than 30 sub-sectors across the human service system. Since the August update, some cycles have moved through the commissioning cycle– discover, strategise, design, invest, deliver and integrate.
Below is a summary of the key activity across the human services system. More detail is provided on each sub-sector webpage via the following links:
Latest news
DISCOVER
Through Commissioning, we seek to design, invest in and deliver culturally safe services that foster truth-telling, healing, connection, and positive outcomes for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community of Canberra.
On advice from community, a few Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander commissioning cycles were put on hold in 2023 to allow for healing in a challenging year. Discovery will start in 2024 for the first Justice and Community Safety commissioning cycle for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Justice Programs. Discovery resumes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Partnerships with a concerted effort to streamline consultation and engagement for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
STRATEGISE AND DESIGN
The refreshed commissioning approach now underway within ACT Health sees Mental Health set to continue design activities as contract extensions come into place which will allow more time for collaboration.
Children, Young People and Family Services Program has released the Draft Insights Report, signalling completion of the DESIGN phase. All listening reports are now available.
Trial, test and learn of service and supports for raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) will begin in the new year with the appointment of the Therapeutic Support Panel that will facilitate supports for children and young people diverted from the criminal justice system when the new MACR takes effect (increasing from 10 years to 12 years and then to 14 years in 2025).
INVEST
Contract extensions continue to be put in place for several existing service providers as sectors transition to new service delivery arrangements.
An approach to market is now open for Sexually Transmissible Infections and Blood Borne Viruses until 19 December 2023. The Primary Health Services for Young People grant opportunity will open in mid-December and Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs grants open at the end of January.
Staged investment for Homelessness services continues with new tender and grant opportunities, to be released in the new year, that will see the sub-sector nearly fully commissioned and in delivery by 1 July 2024.
The investment approach for the ACT Seniors Card is imminent, with a provider to be in place to deliver against new service specifications by 1 July 2024.
A request for quote will be issued soon to develop a much-anticipated community sector costing tool for use by government and the sector. This is a practical outcome of the Sector Sustainability Project.
Negotiations are underway with suitable service providers to expand the Health Justice Partnerships Service with existing providers granted extensions to allow time for the expansion of services.
DELIVER
Extensive collaboration has seen the first ACT Health commissioning cycle enter delivery with the Community Assistance and Temporary Supports (CATS) Program operational from 1 October 2023.
In 2024 the Safer Youth Response Service will commence delivery, responding to immediate community need while being a key try, test and learn service to inform supports for raising the MACR.
The try, test and learn approach was valuable to developing the Safe and Connected Youth program which transitioned from a pilot to full-service delivery in 2023.
Find out more at Sectors in Progress
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Page updated: 02 May 2025
