The project to develop a resource allocation and unit pricing framework for the community Gateway Service, Integrated Family Support Services (IFSS), Disability Services and Out of Home Care (OOHC) is currently underway. To progress the issues relating to resource allocation, equity of access based on priority of need, and of matching service responses to need, a Request for Tender was advertised to procure consultant services. KPMG will be undertaking a project management approach and will be working with the sector in relation to gathering information to determine Unit Costing.
Project Purpose
The purpose of the project is to develop a resource allocation and unit pricing framework that will promote equity between the regions and define how much service providers will be paid for the delivery of services. The framework will apply to the community Gateway Service, IFSS, Disability Services and OOHC.
To ensure equitable service provision across the State, the resource allocation and unit pricing framework will be based on:
- The population of children and families, and people with disabilities, their families and carers requiring service and their location across Tasmania; and
- The costs and cost pressures incurred by service providers across Tasmania.
As part of the project, transitioning arrangements will be developed to support the move to a unit costing approach.
Project Approach
The project will involve a number of activities, including: initial information gathering; defining the resource allocation and unit pricing principles that will underpin the framework; developing and distributing a survey to service providers to collect up-to-date, and analysing the findings; consultations with stakeholders; and development of the cost and allocation models.
The comprehensive engagement and participation of stakeholders will be critical to the success of the project. In particular, the development of a resource allocation and unit pricing framework that recognises existing costs and cost pressures in each sector is highly dependent on service providers participating in consultations and sharing up-to-date and detailed cost information in a survey.
Project Governance
A Departmental Project Management Group has been established to oversight the project consisting of the Deputy Secretary Human Services, Director Reform Implementation Unit, Director Disability, Child, Youth & Family Services and Director and Office of the Community Sector.
A Project Reference Group has been established to guide and oversight the development and implementation of the resource allocation and unit pricing framework. This Group consists of invited representatives from National Disability Service, Family Support Service Association, Gateway Service, IFSS and Departmental Disability and Child Protection staff.
The Survey
With the cooperation of service providers across Tasmania, KPMG developed a survey that aimed to collect up-to-date financial and service delivery information, which will be used to as the basis for the cost and allocation models.
KPMG are currently reviewing and aligning the information provided by survey respondents with each of the services funded by the Department.
The next stage in the development of this pricing mechanism was a series of information sessions held across the State from November 25 to 27.
At these validation forums the KPMG Project Team provided attendees with an overview of the survey findings, including participation rates and general issues. The forums offered service providers the opportunity to appreciate how the survey information will be used to inform the resource allocation and pricing model.
Following the forums KPMG will provide to the Department for consideration the:
- Findings of survey
- Analysis of application of funding schemes recognising costs
- Modelling of demand and funding alternatives on State Treasury and on Service Delivery
- The Department will consider:
- The findings of the survey and modelling
- Decisions re preferred approach to funding and transitioning to new schemes.
- Department to consult with sector, test alternatives, and negotiate roll out based on survey findings
Project Timeline
It is anticipated that the resource allocation and unit pricing framework will be finalised in early 2010.
Further Information
For more information about this project, please contact:
John Nehrmann
Project Officer
Disability and Community Services
(03) 6233 4772
disandcommservices@dhhs.tas.gov.au