ACWA recently convened a Ministerial Roundtable on workforce wellbeing and sustainability, bringing together leaders from government, the non-government sector, workforce bodies, unions and regulators to explore the challenges and opportunities facing the child and family sector workforce.

Facilitated by Liz Gould from Encountas, the roundtable provided an opportunity for participants to share insights, identify key pressures affecting workforce wellbeing, and discuss practical actions that can support a more sustainable and resilient workforce.

Opening the discussion, ACWA CEO Simone Czech highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing workforce challenges.

Minister for Families and Communities, the Hon. Kate Washington MP, reinforced the need for a coordinated, system-wide response.

Participants considered a range of workforce issues impacting the sector, including workforce attraction and retention, staff wellbeing, increasing service complexity, leadership capability, psychosocial safety, and the conditions required to support a healthy and sustainable workforce into the future.

ACWA also extends its thanks to Stephanie Smith, CEO of Human & Co, for sharing her organisation’s workforce wellbeing journey and practical insights into building healthier and more sustainable workplaces.

We thank Minister Washington, representatives from the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, SafeWork NSW, workforce bodies, unions, sector leaders, Human & Co, Liz Gould and Leonie Rothwell from Encountas, and all participants who contributed their expertise and perspectives to the discussion.

ACWA also acknowledges Wesley Mission for generously hosting the roundtable.

The roundtable marks an important step in a broader conversation about workforce wellbeing across the child and family sector.

ACWA looks forward to continuing to work with partners across government and the non-government sector to translate the insights and ideas generated through the discussion into practical actions that support workforce sustainability and strengthen outcomes for children, young people and families.