topics

supported accommodation assistance program (nt saap)

terms of reference

introduction

SAAP Territory Advisory Committee (TAC) was established as a key mechanism for community participation in identifying priority areas of need, advising on overall program directions and consultation on issues including service quality, evaluation and review.

TAC provides advise to the Department of Health and Community Services (DHCS) and the Minister for Health, Family and Children's Services through the Family and Children's Services (FACS) Program.

role of participants

Membership of TAC consists of government representatives and community members with knowledge and expertise that can contribute to the achievement of outcomes for SAAP IV in the NT. Care has been taken to achieve a good balance of sectoral and regional representation on the committee.

Community members are appointed on an individual basis. Members are expected to demonstrate an understanding of issues affecting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and must have the commitment to addressing these issues in a strategic way, particularly at a local level.

The primary role of TAC members is to contribute their expertise, knowledge and perspective to influence and maintain an effective delivery of SAAP in the NT.

TAC members are encouraged to attend relevant meetings, forums, training opportunities and workshops whenever possible in order to remain well informed of events and developments of the SAAP program at a national and state/territory level.

conflict of interest

Committee members have been appointed in the knowledge that some members are closely associated with organisations which may have a financial interest in the allocation of funds. A key principle for the committee is that members should consider the broader program interest above their own interest in contributing to the assessment of strategies or projects.

Where a member experiences any conflict of interest or risk of conflict of interest this should be declared to the committee Chairperson and the Secretariat as soon as it arises. The Chairperson will advise other committee members of a declared interest.

confidentiality of documents

Documents distributed by the Secretariat will fall into three categories:

• documents stamped 'Confidential' are not to be seen by anyone other than a committee member;
• documents stamped "Draft" are to be treated with discretion (see below); and
• unstamped documents have been cleared for general availability (NB many documents will have "Draft" in their title but if they are unstamped they have been cleared for general availability).

It is understood that on occasion committee or working group members will wish to consult or seek advice regarding the content of draft documents. It is expected that this will be done discretely with respect to the confidentiality of such documents, and with attention to the need for fair business practice in distributing documents.

secretary

The Family and Children's Services Branch of Department of Health and Community Services will provide secretariat support subject to the Departmental Secretary's agreement. The Secretariat will:

• organise committee meetings in accordance with the agreed schedule or on advice from the Chairperson;
  
• circulate agenda papers to members of the committee and associated forums. Where possible papers will be circulated at least two weeks in advance of any meeting or deadline;
  
• minute meetings of the committee and if relevant, of associated forums;
  
• organise travel and accommodation for committee members outside of Darwin; and
  
• organise the payment of travel allowances to eligible members;

contacts

Anthony Burton
Director, Family and Children’s Services
anthony.burton@nt.gov.au
08 89992 723

Jill Rechner
Section Head of Family Crisis, Intervention and Support
jill.rechner@nt.gov.au
08 8999 2772

Sue Keys
Senior Project Officer SAAP
sue.keys@nt.gov.au

08 89 992 755

facs postal address

Family and Children's Services Branch
Department of Health and Community Services
GPO Box 40596
Casuarina NT 0811

facsimile

08 8999 2833

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