Community Services Advisory Group meeting 22 September 2026 – Communique

The meeting continued the group’s focus on informing the design and implementation of community services sector reforms that improve outcomes for vulnerable Australians.

Key discussions included:

• Updated terminology for Relational Contracting, which will now be referred to as Outcomes Contracting. This change reflects our shared commitment to delivering better outcomes for families and children. It does not change the approach the sector and the Department have been developing and should not be confused with outcomes-based funding.
• The design and implementation of Outcomes Contracting, including feedback from recent consultations on the proposed approach and the Children and Family Support Program (CaFS).
• Opportunities to build capacity across the community sector to advance Closing the Gap Priority Reform 2 – Building the Community‑Controlled Sector.
• The Australian Taxation Office’s emerging direction for the tax and superannuation administration of not-for-profits, and how sector insights are shaping priorities to simplify and strengthen the system. 
• Members led discussions on practical approaches and sector-driven initiatives to strengthen the quality, effectiveness and sustainability of community services.

I thank members for their leadership, expertise and constructive contributions to strengthening the community services sector. I look forward to continuing this important work at the group’s next meeting on 9 December 2026.

The Hon Ged Kearney MP, Chair, Community Services Advisory Group
Assistant Minister for Social Services
Assistant Minister for Prevention of Family Violence