PLACE contributions to DSS consultation questions
On 16 June, DSS published a suite of documents outlining its approach to relational
contracting for public consultation, open until 26 July 2026. This was a centrepiece of the
reforms process for families and children programs that commenced in October 2025.
A relational model shifts preparation away from fixed roles, rules and outcomes,
recognising that outcomes can be difficult to predict and require adaptation across policy,
funding, program design and capability. It also requires parties to share risk and data, with
community perspectives helping ground evidence and practice in what is working locally.
