3. Roles of government entities

3.1 Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

The department works to create a more inclusive society. The department funds SHS and delivers services. It also works with commissions, peak bodies and other community organisations to provide support.

The 2024–28 Department of Families, Fairness and Housing strategic plan details the departments vision, outcomes, key focus areas and priority initiatives. Its goal is to empower communities to create a fairer and safer Victoria.

The strategic plan features the department’s outcomes framework with five focus areas:

1. Aboriginal voice, knowledge and cultural leadership drive Aboriginal policy, legislation and system reform

   Self-determination enables the wellbeing of Aboriginal Victorians. The Victorian Aboriginal community are partners and lead efforts to change systems and structures that limit self-determination.

2. Children, young people and families are safe, strong and supported

   Victorian families, carers and individuals have supportive and respectful relationships. They are safe from harm, fear and neglect in their homes.

3. Victorian communities[1] are safe, fair, inclusive and resilient

   Victorians are active in their community and participation contributes to their wellbeing. Communities foster social inclusion and participation. They celebrate and enable diversity. Victorians from intersectional communities are safe to identify with their culture. They can express their identity and build support networks with people they trust. Communities are strong and resilient in times of emergency.

4. All Victorians have stable, affordable and appropriate housing

   Victorians have safe homes that provide emotional and physical sanctuary. Victorians have security of tenure in housing. Housing is accessible, appropriate, affordable and tailored to individuals. This outcome includes supports to address and reduce housing insecurity and homelessness. The goal is suitable housing for all.

5. Our social services system is integrated, effective, person-centred and sustainable

   The social services system connects well. It provides safe and effective services that respond to the needs, preferences and circumstances of Victorians. Our corporate functions and IT systems allow efficient service delivery, administration and oversight. Our workforce is sustainable and skilled. We nurture strong partnerships with funded agencies. We deploy data and evidence to keep improving.

Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Strategic Plan

Footnote

[1] As well as the Victorian community as a whole, the department works with communities including women, culturally diverse people, LGBTQIA+ communities, Aboriginal Victorians, veterans, seniors, youth, people with disability, survivors of institutional care and abuse, victim-survivors of family violence and more.