Family Responsibilities Commission

Report to the Family Responsibilities Board and
The Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships

Quarterly Report
No. 44

April 2019 to June 2019

Report prepared by the Family Responsibilities Commission under the leadership of Commissioner David Glasgow

Executive Summary
Quantified in the table below are the activities undertaken by the Commission during quarter 44 with comparisons shown to the previous quarter.
Table 1: Activity from 1 January 2019 to 30 June 2019.
Activity	Qtr 43	Qtr 44	Movement	
Within jurisdiction agency notices received	1313	1400	Increased	
Conferences held	616	737	Increased	
Family Responsibility Agreements entered into	3	8	Increased	
Orders made to attend community support services	6	30	Increased	
Conditional Income Management Orders made	41	88	Increased	
Voluntary Income Management Agreements entered into	4	8	Increased	
Clients case-managed	66	73	Increased	
Referrals made	8	33	Increased	
Applications to Amend or End received	14	13	Decreased	
Show Cause conferences held	0	0	No Change	

As can be seen from the figures above, the Local Commissioners put a good effort in this quarter to improve on the activity reflected in quarter 43.

The Commission has over the years demonstrated a firm commitment to the professional development of the Local Commissioners. Each May since 2009, the Commissioners have travelled from their home communities to Cairns for a week of workshops, seminars and presentations aimed at increasing capabilities, building morale and sharing learnings with their colleagues. This year the conference was held in June. Noel Pearson, Founder of Cape York Partnership (CYP), was officially invited to open the conference, but due to personal commitments was unable to attend. In Mr Pearson’s absence, CYP’s Chief Executive Officer, Fiona Jose, welcomed the Commissioners and presented a 30-minute pre-recorded video by Noel Pearson. It is no exaggeration to state that the Commissioners were impressed by his address which was both powerful and emotional. The room remained silent as Noel commended the Commissioners for taking responsibility for self-determination in their communities and encouraged them to continue to build on the successes of the previous decade.

Much of the first day of the Development Week was taken up with necessary discourse in relation to the past, present and future of Welfare Reform and the FRC. Representatives from the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships (DATSIP), CYP and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) delivered presentations on policy, future direction and the implementation of the Queensland Government Local Thriving Communities model.

Having regard to the day-to-day pressures experienced by the Local Commissioners in the conduct of their roles in community, great care has been taken by the Commission to ensure the availability of mental health services. One of the most critical issues affecting Aboriginal people in recent years is the rate of suicide and self-harm, particularly among children and youth. In early June The Australian reported that 79 Indigenous people had committed suicide this year, 20 of them children. Described as an “unspeakable tragedy” by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, it seemed fitting that a proportion of the week be dedicated to providing training in suicide intervention and prevention. Registered trainers from LivingWorks Australia conducted a safeTALK workshop designed to teach participants how to provide practical help to people with thoughts of suicide and contribute to building suicide-safer communities. A further presentation informed the Commissioners about a pilot Indigenous Network Suicide Intervention Training (INSIST) program developed by researchers at the University of Queensland Rural Clinical School. 

Lloyd Biehler, a Pastor and Police Liaison Officer since 2003, spoke of his work helping Cape York community members who have become itinerant in Cairns to return to their homelands. The Return to Country program assists homeless individuals with referrals to alcohol rehabilitation facilities, the provision of clothing and hygiene packs, booking subsidised flights, transport to the airport and liaison with community justice groups around parole requirements and permission to return.

The Commissioners enjoyed a visit to and tour of the new AFL Cape York Girls House at Redlynch. The facility was opened in early 2019 and provides boarding for up to 40 young girls from Cape communities in a culturally appropriate, safe and secure residential environment. The Commissioners were very impressed and looked forward to sharing the message of the opportunities available at Cape York Girls House with the young women back in their communities.

Apunipima Cape York Health Council CEO, Paul Stephenson, gave a comprehensive presentation on the history and more recent expansion of the organisation. Paul outlined the transition to a model of care that combined social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing with primary health care. Paul acknowledged the past decade of hard work and challenges faced by the Commissioners, describing the FRC as one of the best examples of self-determination he had seen in many years working in health in Cape York, the Torres Strait, west to Mt Isa and the Gulf and Darwin.

Local Commissioner Development Week is always a highlight in the FRC calendar. It is an opportunity for the Commissioners to come together, to consolidate relationships, share concerns and source solutions, most often leaving with a renewed sense of solidarity.
An FR Board meeting was held this quarter on 29 May 2019. Consideration was given to a draft budget for the financial year 2019-20, quarterly report 43 was presented and the current funding environment discussed.
The Commission was to experience a change of leadership commencing in quarter 45 with the expected retirement of Commissioner Glasgow from 1 July 2019. On 27 June 2019 the Governor in Council approved the Commissioner’s reappointment for the period 1 July to 1 September 2019 on a part-time basis to allow sufficient time to select and introduce a new FRC Commissioner.
The Queensland budget was tabled in State Parliament on Tuesday, 11 June 2019. In that budget the Queensland Government announced its commitment to continuing funding for the Commission for the 2019-20 financial year. The Commission is awaiting the finalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Australian and Queensland Governments addressing the offer from the Australian Government of a three year funding agreement for the period 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2021.

Table of contents

Abbreviations
CIM		Conditional Income Management
DATSIP		Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
DoE		Department of Education
DJAG		Department of Justice and Attorney-General
DV		Domestic Violence
DVB		Domestic Violence Breach
DVO		Domestic Violence Order
FRA		Family Responsibilities Agreement
FRC		Family Responsibilities Commission
QPS		Queensland Police Service
VIM		Voluntary Income Management
Also:		
Family Responsibilities Commission (the Commission)
Family Responsibilities Commission Act 2008 (the Act)
Family Responsibilities Commission Registry (the Registry)
Family Responsibilities Board (the Board)

Family Responsibilities Commission
Welfare Reforms

Report to 30 June2019.
1.  Activities and Trends

Notices
In quarter 44 the Commission received 1,910 agency notices. Some individuals may have been the subject of more than one agency notice. Of that figure 1,400 notices (73 percent) were within the Commission’s jurisdiction and 510 notices (27 percent) were outside the Commission’s jurisdiction.

Table 2: In jurisdiction notices by type and community 1 April 2019 to 30 June 2019.
Type of Notice	AU	CO	DM	HV	MG	Total	
Supreme Court notices	0	0	0	0	0	0	
District Court notices	2	0	0	10	0	12	
Magistrates Court notices	155	11	0	67	13	246	
Domestic Violence Breach notices	8	0	0	6	0	14	
Domestic Violence Order notices	39	3	0	26	4	72	
School Attendance notices	380	19	388	183	21	991	
School Enrolment notice	0	0	0	0	2	2	
Child Safety and Welfare notices	37	2	1	18	0	58	
Housing Tenancy notices	0	0	0	2	3	5	
Total	621	35	389	312	43	1400	

Further details of notices within jurisdiction for each community are set out below:
•	Aurukun’s 621 notices constitute 44 percent of the total notices in jurisdiction across the welfare reform communities.
•	Coen’s 35 notices constitute 3 percent of the total notices in jurisdiction.
•	Doomadgee’s 389 notices constitute 28 percent of the total notices in jurisdiction.
•	Hope Vale’s 312 notices constitute 22 percent of the total notices in jurisdiction.
•	Mossman Gorge’s 43 notices constitute 3 percent of the total notices in jurisdiction.

Table 3: Not within jurisdiction notices by type and community 1 April 2019 to 30 June 2019.
Type of Notice	AU	CO	DM	HV	MG	Total	
Supreme Court notices	0	0	0	0	0	0	
District Court notices	0	0	0	0	0	0	
Magistrates Court notices	151	0	0	79	70	300	
Domestic Violence Breach notices	11	0	0	0	3	14	
Domestic Violence Order notices	4	1	0	25	20	50	
School Attendance notices	30	9	74	28	1	142	
School Enrolment notice	0	0	0	0	0	0	
Child Safety and Welfare notices	2	0	1	1	0	4	
Housing Tenancy notices	0	0	0	0	0	0	
Total	198	10	75	133	94	510	

Table 4: Court locations for in jurisdiction DVB and DVO notices 1 April 2019 to 30 June 2019.
Court Location	Number of DVB notices	Number of DVO notices	Total	
Aurukun	8	34	42	
Cairns	1	6	7	
Coen	0	2	2	
Cooktown	5	24	29	
Kowanyama	0	1	1	
Mossman	0	5	5	
Total	14	72	86	

Since its commencement the Commission has received 44,501 agency notices within its jurisdiction. Total within and not within jurisdiction notices increased from 1,831 in quarter 43 to 1,910 in quarter 44. Of those notices within jurisdiction, District Court, Domestic Violence Orders, School Attendance, School Enrolment, Child Safety and Welfare and Housing Tenancy notices increased whilst Magistrate Court and Domestic Violence Breach notices decreased from quarter 43 to quarter 44. A breakdown of within jurisdiction notices is provided below.

District Court notices increased this quarter to 12 from 7 received in the previous quarter. Aurukun decreased by 5 notices and Hope Vale increased by 10 notices. Coen and Mossman Gorge remained unchanged with zero notices received for the quarter. The Commission does not receive District Court notices for Doomadgee.

Magistrates Court notices decreased this quarter to 246 from 379 received in the previous quarter. Aurukun, Coen, Hope Vale and Mossman Gorge decreased by 99, 4, 28 and 2 notices respectively. The Commission does not receive Magistrates Court notices for Doomadgee.

Domestic Violence Breach notices decreased from 34 in quarter 43 to 14 in quarter 44. Coen and Hope Vale decreased by 6 and 14 notices respectively, whilst Aurukun and Mossman Gorge remained unchanged with 8 and 0 notices respectively for the quarter. The Commission does not receive Domestic Violence Breach notices for Doomadgee.

Domestic Violence Order notices increased from 46 in quarter 43 to 72 in quarter 44. Aurukun increased by 23 notices and Hope Vale increased by 6 notices, whilst Mossman Gorge decreased by 3 notices and Coen remained unchanged with 3 notices received for the quarter. The Commission does not receive Domestic Violence Order notices for Doomadgee.

School Attendance notices increased from 813 in quarter 43 to 991 in quarter 44. All five communities experienced an increase in notices this quarter. Aurukun, Coen, Doomadgee, Hope Vale and Mossman Gorge increased by 63, 13, 19, 82 and 1 notice respectively.

School Enrolment notices increased from 0 in quarter 43 to 2 in quarter 44. Mossman Gorge increased by 2 notices, whilst Aurukun, Coen, Hope Vale and Doomadgee remained unchanged with 0 notices received for the quarter.

Child Safety and Welfare notices increased from 34 in quarter 43 to 58 in quarter 44. Aurukun, Doomadgee and Hope Vale increased by 17, 1 and 11 notices respectively, whilst Coen and Mossman Gorge decreased by 2 and 3 notices respectively.

Housing Tenancy notices increased from 0 in quarter 43 to 5 in quarter 44 with Hope Vale and Mossman Gorge increasing by 2 and 3 notices respectively. No notices were received for Aurukun and Coen for the quarter. The Commission does not receive Housing Tenancy notices for Doomadgee.

Table 5: In jurisdiction notices by type and quarter 1 April 2018 to 30 June 2019.
Notices by Agency Processed	Qtr 40	Qtr 41	Qtr 42	Qtr 43	Qtr 44	
District Court	24	4	1	7	12	
Magistrates Court	323	417	404	379	246	
Domestic Violence Breach	37	42	21	34	14	
Domestic Violence Order	48	48	52	46	72	
School Attendance	925	961	901	813	991	
School Enrolment	9	8	5	0	2	
Child Safety	86	48	37	34	58	
Housing Tenancy	10	4	4	0	5	
TOTAL	1462	1532	1425	1313	1400	

Table 6: In jurisdiction notices by community and quarter 1 April 2018 to 30 June 2019.
Community	Qtr 40	Qtr 41	Qtr 42	Qtr 43	Qtr 44	
Aurukun	668	669	628	622	621	
Coen	78	79	69	34	35	
Doomadgee	383	432	395	369	389	
Hope Vale	270	297	268	243	312	
Mossman Gorge	63	55	65	45	43	
TOTAL	1462	1532	1425	1313	1400	

Since commencement in July 2008, 88.5 percent of clients have received more than one notice with 65.9 percent of clients receiving more than five notices. Frequently this illustrates multiple child school absences for the one family, or multiple Magistrates Court notices relating to one incident. Conversely, 11.5 percent of clients have received only one notice.

Table 7: FRC clients by number of notices 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2019.
Number of Notices Received	Number of Clients	
1	277	
2	182	
3	153	
4	118	
5	89	
>5	1584	
TOTAL	2403	
(Note:  Counting rules stipulate that where multiple charges are received each charge is counted as an individual notice or each child’s absence is counted as one notice – i.e. if three children from the one family were absent, that was counted as three notices).

Conferences
A total of 737 conferences pertaining to all matters were held across the five communities in quarter 44, resulting in 8 FRAs being entered into, 30 orders made to attend community support services and 88 CIM orders issued. When compared to last quarter, this represents an increase of 5 FRAs, 24 orders to attend community support services and 47 CIM orders. Other outcomes as a result of conferencing during the quarter were decisions for no further action, rescheduling and scheduling to return for review with compliance. Thirty new clients were added to the Commission’s database during the quarter. Conferences increased from 616 in quarter 43 to 737 in quarter 44.

Table 8: Conferences by community and quarter 1 April 2018 to 30 June 2019.
Community	Qtr 40	Qtr 41	Qtr 42	Qtr 43	Qtr 44	
Aurukun	294	312	256	270	252	
Coen	28	12	25	14	28	
Doomadgee	230	245	263	240	303	
Hope Vale	92	97	66	63	111	
Mossman Gorge	27	32	21	29	43	
TOTAL	671	698	631	616	737	

Conferences for Domestic Violence related matters
As a subset of the total number of conferences conducted for the quarter, 82 domestic violence conferences were conducted in Aurukun, Coen, Hope Vale and Mossman Gorge in quarter 44, representing an increase of 23 from the previous quarter. Domestic violence conferences in the communities during the quarter were as follows: Aurukun decreased by 3, Coen increased by 6, Hope Vale increased by 16 and Mossman Gorge increased by 4 domestic violence conferences.

Table 9: Number of conferences held in relation to domestic violence notices (breaches and orders) per community 
1 April 2019 to 30 June 2019.
Number of Domestic Violence Conferences	AU	CO	HV	MG	Total	
Relating to both a DVB and a DVO notice	1	0	3	0	4	
Relating to a DVB notice	5	6	7	3	21	
Relating to a DVO notice	28	3	19	7	57	
Total	34	9	29	10	82	

Table 10: DV conferences by community and quarter 1 April 2018 to 30 June 2019.
Community	Qtr 40	Qtr 41	Qtr 42	Qtr 43	Qtr 44	
Aurukun	48	56	39	37	34	
Coen	10	6	14	3	9	
Hope Vale	9	20	4	13	29	
Mossman Gorge	4	11	4	6	10	
TOTAL	71	93	61	59	82	

Table 11: Number of conferences held in relation to domestic violence notices (breaches and orders) per quarter 
1 April 2018 to 30 June 2019.
Number of Domestic Violence Conferences	Qtr 40	Qtr 41	Qtr 42	Qtr 43	Qtr 44	
Relating to both a DVB and a DVO notice	6	10	0	4	4	
Relating to a DVB notice	7	19	19	20	21	
Relating to a DVO notice	58	64	42	35	57	
Total	71	93	61	59	82	

Referrals
The total number of referrals to service providers increased from 8 in quarter 43 to 33 in quarter 44, relating to 33 clients. Since commencement the Commission has referred 1,048 clients to service providers resulting in approximately 43.3 percent of clients on 12 month service referral plans. Referrals in the communities during the quarter were as follows: Aurukun increased by 6; Coen increased by 2; Doomadgee increased by 5; Hope Vale increased by 4 and Mossman Gorge increased by 8 referrals for the quarter.

Table 12: Referral pathways by referral type and quarter 1 April 2018 to 30 June 2019.
Referral Type	Qtr 40	Qtr 41	Qtr 42	Qtr 43	Qtr 44	
MPower	3	3	3	1	0	
Wellbeing Centre - Apunipima	10	9	8	3	19	
Wellbeing Centre - NWRH	2	3	3	2	2	
School Attendance Officer	3	0	0	1	6	
Strong Families - Parenting Program	2	1	0	0	0	
RAATSIC - Parenting Program	0	0	0	0	4	
Gungarde (Family Wellbeing Services) - Parenting Program	0	0	0	0	0	
Mulungu (Family Wellbeing Services) - Parenting Program	0	0	0	0	1	
QLD Health	0	1	0	0	1	
Save the Children 	11	7	2	1	0	
TOTAL	31	24	16	8	33	

Referrals for Domestic Violence related matters
As a subset of the total number of referrals in the quarter, 6 referrals were made in relation to domestic violence conferences in quarter 44, representing an increase of 6 from the previous quarter.

Table 13: Number of referrals in relation to domestic violence notices (breaches and orders) per community 
1 April 2019 to 30 June 2019.
Notice Type	Community	Referral	Provider Total	
DVB	Coen	Wellbeing Centre	2	
	Mossman Gorge	Wellbeing Centre	1	
	DVB Total		3	
DVO	Coen	Wellbeing Centre	1	
	Hope Vale	Wellbeing Centre	2	
	DVO Total		3	
GRAND TOTAL			6	

Table 14: Referral pathways in relation to domestic violence notices (breaches and orders) by referral type and quarter
1 April 2018 to 30 June 2019.
Referral Type	Qtr 40	Qtr 41	Qtr 42	Qtr 43	Qtr 44	
MPower	0	1	1	0	0	
WBC	3	4	5	0	6	
QLD Health	0	0	0	0	0	
RAATSICC (Famiy Wellbeing Services) - AU	0	0	0	0	0	
Gungarde (Family Wellbeing Services) - CO & HV	0	0	0	0	0	
Mulungu (Family Wellbeing Services) - MG	0	0	0	0	0	
TOTAL	3	5	6	0	6	

Conditional Income Management
A total of 88 CIM orders were made in quarter 44, an increase of 47 from quarter 43. Since the commencement of the Commission 2,588 CIM orders inclusive of original orders, extensions and amendments have been made relating to 905 clients. Increases were seen in Aurukun, Coen, Doomadgee and Mossman Gorge of 15, 1, 24 and 7 CIM orders respectively. Hope Vale remained unchanged with 5 orders made for the quarter.

As at 30 June 2019, 37.4 percent of the Commission’s clients have been subject to a CIM over the past 11 years. As at 30 June 2019 there were 140 clients subject to a CIM which equates to 5.8 percent of clients on a CIM at a point in time. Commissioners continue to negotiate with clients to achieve desirable outcomes, or to demonstrate motivation and commitment to make appropriate life choices. Demonstrated positive steps toward taking responsibility provide the Commissioners with sufficient reason to consider revoking a CIM when requested by the client.

Table 15: Number of times a client has been placed on conditional income management per community 
1 July 2008 to 30 June 2019.
Number of CIMs	CIM’d only once	CIM’d 
2-5 times	CIM’d
6-10 times	CIM’d
11+ times	Total	
Aurukun	143	211	57	16	427	
Coen	29	30	0	0	59	
Doomadgee	42	77	0	0	119	
Hope Vale	89	110	14	0	213	
Mossman Gorge	32	33	20	2	87	
Total	335	461	91	18	905	

Table 16: Conditional Income Management orders by community and quarter 1 April 2018 to 30 June 2019.
Community	Qtr 40	Qtr 41	Qtr 42	Qtr 43	Qtr 44	
Aurukun	23	22	15	18	33	
Coen	2	3	1	4	5	
Doomadgee	22	24	25	13	37	
Hope Vale	4	4	0	5	5	
Mossman Gorge	2	7	3	1	8	
TOTAL	53	60	44	41	88	

Conditional Income Management for Domestic Violence related matters
As a subset of the total number of CIMs in the quarter, 8 CIM orders inclusive of alterations were made in relation to domestic violence conferences in quarter 44, representing an increase of 3 from the previous quarter.

Table 17: Conditional Income Management orders in relation to domestic violence notices (breaches and orders) by community and quarter 1 April 2018 to 30 June 2019.
Community	Qtr 40	Qtr 41	Qtr 42	Qtr 43	Qtr 44	
Aurukun	1	2	1	4	3	
Coen	1	1	0	1	2	
Hope Vale	0	2	0	0	1	
Mossman Gorge	0	2	1	0	2	
TOTAL	2	7	2	5	8	

Voluntary Income Management
The Commission processed 8 VIM agreements this quarter and since the commencement of the Commission in 2008, 142 clients have had an active VIM agreement. Those clients that request a VIM agreement use income management as a savings and budget tool, often for a specified period and to deter family members from accessing their income.

Case Management
As at 30 June 2019, 73 clients were being case-managed, an increase from 66 in quarter 43. Increases were seen in Aurukun, Hope Vale and Mossman Gorge of 3, 2 and 6 respectively. Coen and Doomadgee decreased by 1 and 3 respectively.

Show Cause Notices
During quarter 44 no Show Cause hearings were held.

Table 18: Show Cause Notices by community and quarter 1 April 2018 to 30 June 2019.
Community	Qtr 40	Qtr 41	Qtr 42	Qtr 43	Qtr 44	
Aurukun	0	0	0	0	0	
Coen	0	0	0	0	0	
Doomadgee	0	0	0	0	0	
Hope Vale	1	0	0	0	0	
Mossman Gorge	0	0	0	0	0	
TOTAL	1	0	0	0	0	

Applications to Amend or End Agreements or Orders
Thirteen Applications to Amend or End an Agreement or Order were received in quarter 44, a decrease of 1 from quarter 43. Outcomes of the 13 applications received are as follows:

	6 Applications granted and income management agreements and orders revoked
	1 CIM order at 90 percent revoked and client placed on a new order at 75 percent for 12 months
	2 Applications received at the end of the quarter, decisions pending
	4 Applications refused

The Commission continues to encourage clients to participate in the Amend or End process. Commissioners report increasing client confidence to question decisions and the reasons behind decisions, both for decisions delivered by the Commission and decisions delivered by external agencies and bodies.

Table 19: Applications to Amend or End FRA or Order by community and quarter 1 April 2018 to 30 June 2019.
Community	Qtr 40	Qtr 41	Qtr 42	Qtr 43	Qtr 44	
Aurukun	8	7	5	9	6	
Coen	0	2	0	1	0	
Doomadgee	3	3	3	2	3	
Hope Vale	0	1	3	1	3	
Mossman Gorge	3	3	2	1	1	
TOTAL	14	16	13	14	13	

2.  Future Direction and Challenges

School attendance
On Tuesday 20 August 2019 the Commission received official school attendance data from the Department of Education (DoE) for term 2 2019 (this quarter). This was the first opportunity the Commission had to gauge how school attendance was progressing in each of our communities for term 2 as the Commission does not receive any official weekly school attendance data from DoE.

Term 2 school attendance - 2014-2019
School Attendance Data	Term 2 2015	Revised Term 2 2016	Term 2
2017	Term 2 2018	Term 2 2019	
Aurukun - Overall	57.5%	43.5%	52.5%	53.6%	37.9%	
   Aurukun community – Primary	57.5%	43.5%	58.1%	60.0%	43.1%	
   Aurukun community – Secondary	-	-	32.7%	35.1%	25.2%	
Coen	88.7%	89.2%	86.8%	89.8%	88.6%	
Doomadgee - Overall	55.9%	49.6%	56.1%	58.6%	54.9%	
   Doomadgee Primary	58.9%	54.9%	59.5%	61.4%	57.4%	
   Doomadgee Secondary	46.2%	35.6%	46.0%	47.7%	47.9%	
Hope Vale	83.3%	76.7%	75.3%	81.0%	79.4%	
Mossman Gorge community	67.2%	72.4%	63.8%	77.8%	67.9%	
   Mossman Gorge Primary	90.2%	83.2%	72.4%	82.5%	70.6%	
   Mossman Gorge Secondary	52.1%	36.2%	56.6%	59.7%	54.4%	

Out of the 53 statistical attendance rates published for term 2 2019 by DoE for selected Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities (combined, primary and secondary) only 13 showed improvement from the 2018 term 2 statistics. Although Commissioners continued to prioritise education matters this quarter to focus on attendance rates, developing specific strategies in each community alongside schools and School Attendance Officers (SAOs), it would appear that term 2 across Queensland for this cohort was a challenge. The Commission meets regularly with the Principal, Deputy Principal and or case managers to prioritise education matters for FRC conferencing in Aurukun, Doomadgee, Hope Vale and Mossman Gorge.

The Queensland Government has tasked the Queensland Productivity Commission (QPC) with examining how government resources and policies can be best used to reduce imprisonment and recidivism and improve outcomes for the community over the medium to longer term. Commissioner David Glasgow and members of the Registry attended public consultations held in Townsville and Cairns in regard to this inquiry in October 2018. Commissioner Glasgow was further invited by the QPC to attend a public hearing held in Townsville on 8 May 2019. The Commissioner advised the hearing that issues surrounding imprisonment and recidivism affect the remote Indigenous communities in many and profound ways. These issues include:
•	gaps in support for both offenders and victims on release from prison
•	lack of meaningful employment available in community
•	prison being a rite of passage rather than a deterrent
•	lack of diversionary options
•	disconnection from family and consequent impacts.

Of significance in the Welfare Reform communities are the unintended consequences of the blanket application of strong criminal sanctions. The Commissioner noted that domestic violence orders and breaches being inflexibly applied can often result in disproportionate incarceration rates in remote Indigenous communities. High incidence of convictions relating to drug and alcohol and public nuisance charges also prevent community members from obtaining blue cards and limit employment opportunities.

The Commission supported the recommendations outlined in the draft report to reduce the scope of criminal offences, and to expand diversionary options including exploring orders to attend mediation. As an example, domestic violence matters which occur between siblings and other family members would often be better dealt with by Indigenous mediators, or in a setting such as FRC conferences. These options are either not canvassed by Police or not available as a referral mechanism to the courts.

The Commission also strongly supported the recommendation to include victim focussed restitution and restoration. The FRC’s model of Local Commissioners conferencing community members who have been referred to it provides a forum to hold people accountable for their actions in a culturally appropriate and effective way.

As the Queensland Government considers the future of the FRC, it seems there is significant opportunity to evolve and refresh the FRC model to incorporate alternative justice strategies more suited to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Local Commissioners are established and respected local Elder authority groups that now have 11 years’ standing in each community. They are an invaluable resource. Local Commissioners have first-hand knowledge of the drivers of over-representation in the criminal justice system in each of their communities. Approaches such as restorative justice conferencing and justice reinvestment would seem to fit well with the existing FRC conferencing structure.

3.  Financial Operations

Governance

Part 12 of the Act provides for the establishment of the Family Responsibilities Board (the Board).

The Board has a mandate to give advice and make recommendations to the Minister about the operation of the Commission and similarly to give advice and make recommendations to the Commissioner about the performance of the Commission’s functions.

The Board must meet at least every six months. The meeting may be held by using any technology available which will allow for efficient and effective communication, however, the Board members must meet in person at least once a year. A quorum for the Board is comprised of two members. The Board’s membership consists of the following members:

•	Dr Chris Sarra	Director-General, Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships (Chair)
•	Mr Troy Sloan	First Assistant Secretary, Legal, Employment, Environment and Evaluation Division, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
•	Mr Noel Pearson		Founder, Cape York Partnership representing the Cape York Institute.

Operational

In meeting obligations under Part 3 of the Act, the Family Responsibilities Commission Registry (the Registry) commenced operations on 1 July 2008 with a central Registry office established in Cairns and local Registry offices operating in each of the five welfare reform communities.

The Registry, managed by the Registrar, provides corporate and operational support to the Commissioner, the Local Commissioners and the Local Coordinators.

Financial

Income:
•	Income received by the Commission for the period 1 April 2019 to 30 June 2019 totalled $604,753. This income consisted of:
•	$436,000 Queensland Government funding
•	$156,500 Queensland Government funding – Doomadgee
•	$0* Australian Government funding
•	$10,316 interest received
•	$1,937 received in sundry income.
The balance of available funds in the bank as at 30 June 2019 is $1,694,836.

* the Australian Government’s financial commitment for the period was unable to be released during quarter 44 as it is awaiting finalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Australian and Queensland governments.

Expenditure:
•	Expenditure for the period 1 April 2019 to 30 June 2019 was $891,795. This total represents 25 percent of the projected annual expenditure of $3,557,800.

Table 20: Expenditure in quarter 44.
1 April 2019 to	Expenditure	1 April 2019 to	Expenditure	
30 June 2019	Qtr 44	30 June  2019	Qtr 44	
				
Employee salaries – FRC staff	$411,107	Internet & IT	$51,263	
Employee salaries – Local Commissioners	$128,850	Motor vehicle	$16,205	
Employee on costs – FRC staff	$73,187	Property	$54,083	
Employee on costs – Local Commissioners	$19,521	Travel	$69,631	
Other employment costs	$7,121	General operating	$40,202	
Communications	$3,309	Other expenses	$17,316	
		Total	$891,795	

Quarter 44 disbursement of expenditure by category and percentage of total expenditure.

Table 21: FRC operating costs 1 April 2019 to 30 June 2019.
Expenditure Category	Percentage of Total Expenditure	
Employee salaries – FRC staff	46.10%	
Employee salaries – Local Commissioners	14.45%	
Employee on costs – FRC staff	8.20%	
Employee on costs – Local Commissioners	2.19%	
Other employment costs	0.80%	
Communications	0.37%	
Internet & IT	5.75%	
Motor vehicle	1.82%	
Property	6.06%	
Travel	7.81%	
General operating	4.51%	
Other expenses	1.94%	
Total	100.0%	

Regional operational expenditure by location and quarter.

Table 22: Operating costs by remote location 1 April 2018 to 30 June 2019.
Community	Qtr 40	Qtr 41	Qtr 42	Qtr 43	Qtr 44	
Aurukun	$152K	$105K	$110K	$105K	$125K	
Coen	$60K	$24K	$34K	$23K	$54K	
Doomadgee	$154K	$142K	$148K	$96K	$122K	
Hope Vale	$91K	$60K	$71K	$41K	$68K	
Mossman Gorge	$40K	$28K	$29K	$32K	$47K	
TOTAL	$497K	$359K	$392K	$297K	$416K	

Cairns Registry expenditure for quarter 44 compared to the previous four quarters.

Table 23: Quarterly operating costs Cairns 1 April 2018 to 30 June 2019.
Community	Qtr 40	Qtr 41	Qtr 42	Qtr 43	Qtr 44	
Corporate Services	$228K	$236K	$232K	$221K	$206K	
Operations	$243K	$289K	$252K	$227K	$236K	
Gov/Board Reporting	$46K	$38K	$48K	$34K	$34K	
TOTAL	$517K	$563K	$532K	$482K	$476K	

APPENDIX A			

	SITTINGS CALENDAR 2019
FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES COMMISSION
1 January 2019 to 30 June 2019		
Week Beginning	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Other	
31 December		Public Holiday				1 New Year’s Day	
7 January						Cooktown Circuit	
14 January						Aurukun Cape B & Coen Cape A Circuit
Doomadgee – Gulf Circuit	
21 January							
28 January	Public Holiday	29	30	30	1	28 Australia Day Public Holiday
Proposed Local Commissioner meetings within community 
prior to conferencing	
4 February		5	6	7		Cooktown Circuit
Doomadgee – Gulf Circuit	
11 February		12	13	14		Aurukun Cape B Circuit	
18 February		19	20	21		19 ASC Meeting	
		19	20				
25 February		26	27	28			
		26					
4 March		5	6	7		Cooktown Circuit	
				7			
11 March		12	13	14		Aurukun Cape B & Coen Cape A Circuit
Doomadgee – Gulf Circuit	
18 March		19	20	21		19 ASC Meeting	
		19		21			
25 March		26	27	28			
1 April		2	3	4		Cooktown Circuit
Doomadgee – Gulf Circuit	
				4			
8 April			10			Aurukun Cape B Circuit	
15 April					Public Holiday	19 Good Friday
16 ASC Meeting	
22 April	Public Holiday			Public Holiday		22 Easter Monday 
25 Anzac Day	
29 April		30	1	2			

	SITTINGS CALENDAR 2019
FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES COMMISSION
1 January 2019 to 30 June 2019		
Week Beginning	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Other	
6 May	Public Holiday	7	8	9		6 Labour Day
Cooktown Circuit	
			8	9			
13 May		14	15	16		Aurukun Cape B & Coen Cape A Circuit
Doomadgee – Gulf Circuit	
		14					
20 May		21		23	24	21 ASC Meeting	
				23			
27 May		28	29	30			
3 June	Public Holiday	4	5	6		3 Mabo Day – Doomadgee
Cooktown Circuit	
		4					
		4					
10 June		11	12	13		Local Commissioner Development Week - Cairns
Aurukun Cape B Circuit
Doomadgee – Gulf Circuit	
17 June	17	18	19	20		18 ASC Meeting
21 Mount Isa Show	
24 June		25	26	27			
		25		27			

LEGEND
	Office Days	
	Public Holidays	
	Aurukun Sitting	
	Coen Sitting	
	Doomadgee Sitting	
	Hope Vale Sitting	
	Mossman Gorge Sitting	
ASC	Aurukun Shire Council Meeting	
0	Cancelled Conference	

OFFICE	CONTACT NAME	Phone	Mobile	Facsimile	
Cairns – Commissioner	Mr David Glasgow	4081 8413	0439 776 798	4041 0974	
Cairns – Registrar	Ms Maxine McLeod	4081 8412	0409 461 624	4041 0974	
Cairns – Client Manager 
	(Tue, Wed, alterative Thurs)	Ms Camille Banks	4081 8410	0438 195 342	4041 0974	
Cairns – Acting Client Manager
	(Mon, Fri, alterative Thurs)	Ms Anne Crampton	4081 8410	0419 647 948	4041 0974	
Cairns – Finance Manager	Ms Tracey Patterson	4081 8411	0429 495 353	4041 0974	
Aurukun Local Coordinator	Mr Bryce Coxall	4060 6185	0428 985 106	4041 0974	
Coen Local Coordinator	Ms Sandi Rye		0417 798 392	4041 0974	
Doomadgee Local Coordinator	Mr Robbie Hazeldine	4745 8111	0418 666 204	4041 0974	
Acting Hope Vale Local Coordinator
	(Wed/Thurs)	Mr Brenden Joinbee	4060 9153	0408 482 026	4041 0974	
Mossman Gorge Local Coordinator	Ms Sandi Rye		0417 798 392	4041 0974