Rethinking How We Fund Change
Welcome to the first post in our new discussion series on systemic barriers to addressing disadvantage, and the alternative approaches that could make a difference.
Access the full article here “Rethinking How We Fund Change: An invitation to explore collaborative commissioning” and share your thoughts using the Slido QR code.
What’s the issue?
During PLACE’s 2025 Listening Tour, communities told us a consistent story:
Funding is short-term and rigid
Compliance is heavy
Services often work in silos rather than together
This isn’t because service providers or government don’t care. Part of the problem lies in how funding is set up: traditional purchaser–provider models where accountability is measured through contracts and compliance.
The result? Power imbalances that leave those facing the greatest disadvantage without the support they need.
So what’s the alternative?
One approach we’re exploring is collaborative commissioning.
Instead of decisions being made far away in Canberra or a state capital, skilled regional commissioners work with local communities to plan what’s needed. They pool resources from different levels of government, collaborate across sectors to break down silos, and hold services accountable to the communities they serve.
Already in use in areas like health, collaborative commissioning shows promise as a more equitable way forward. It integrates services, builds trust, and scales solutions that fit local needs, while working alongside universal services.
Join the conversation
Over the next few weeks, PLACE will share short explainers unpacking this idea - what it means, what it could look like in practice, and why it matters for communities everywhere.
We’d love to hear your thoughts: share your questions, experiences, and ideas. Designing a system that works starts with listening to the people who live it every day.
💬 Add your thoughts on Slido QR code.
👉 What would you like to know about collaborative commissioning?
👉 Do you see it building trust, or creating new barriers?
Image courtesy of YouthWorX NT.