Human Services Department

480 Ms COOK (Hurtle Vale) (29 November 2018). Regarding the Department for Human Services and all agencies reporting to the minister, what new sections of your department or agencies have been established or abolished since 18 March 2018 and what is their purpose?

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General): The Minister for Human Services has provided the following advice:

On 1 July 2018, the Department of the Premier and Cabinet (DPC) assumed responsibility for Multicultural Affairs from the department, and the South Australian Housing Authority (SAHA) commenced operations as a statutory corporation, separate to DHS. All Housing SA FTEs transferred from DHS to the South Australian Housing Trust, trading as SAHA. Multicultural Affairs is responsible for providing policy advice and support to the Premier and other stakeholders, administering multicultural grants programs and supporting the work of the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission. SAHA is primarily responsible for the delivery of housing-related services for lower income South Australians and management of the housing stock.

On 1 October 2018, the Early Intervention Research Directorate (EIRD) joined the department from DPC, as part of the MOG changes. EIRD plays a leading role in collaboration between the government and academic sectors; ensuring child abuse and neglect early intervention and prevention is informed by evidence.

All funded services within Domiciliary Care transitioned to the Royal District Nursing Services on 29 June 2018. Transitioned services include the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and the State Adults with Chronic Conditions program, as well as in-house corporate functions.

In response to these changes, the department's organisational structure has been reorganised. This includes the establishment of the Community and Support Services Division, which consolidates functions that support and engage communities including Screening, Concessions and Support Services, Community Services and the State Recovery Office.