Robin Sullivan discusses staff attitudes to the implementation of the new child protection policies, and the difficulties of dealing with the media and freedom of information requests. She discusses her interaction with lobby groups and non-government agencies.
Frank Peach comments on the role of non-government service providers in delivering services. He outlines the benefits and disadvantages of these organisations and commends many of the providers on their commitment to providing services.
Ruth Matchett comments that the Department of Family Services and Aboriginal and Islander Affairs was one of the larger ones (about 4000 staff) with several operations run 24 hours a day including, juvenile corrections facilities and services for people with intellectual disabilities. She discusses working with church and not-for-profit organisations to deliver services. She describes the long tradition of working with government and non-government agencies, and the value of community organisations bringing their own values and processes to the system.
