Consultation with the Centre’s staff concludes on July 1, with implementation expected in September
The executive board for the Elimination of Family Violence and Sexual Violence has begun consultation on a proposal to restructure the Centre for Family Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention.
According to the Ministry of Justice, the changes are aimed at improving coordination across the prevention system and focusing resources on areas expected to have the greatest impact for victims and survivors.
The proposal was presented to the centre's staff following a review of the current needs of the family and sexual violence prevention system. The review examined the structures, capabilities, and leadership required to support the system’s objectives and assessed how the centre could best contribute to those goals.
The centre supports the executive board by providing a whole-of-system perspective and working alongside government agencies and sector partners to enable coordinated action on family violence and sexual violence prevention. The executive board, which is hosted by the Ministry of Justice, was established in 2021 to provide advice, coordination, and system leadership across agencies.
Under the proposed changes, 36 roles within the centre would be disestablished, including six vacant positions. At the same time, 10 new roles would be established. If implemented, the proposal would result in a net reduction of 26 positions.
Executive board chair and secretary for justice Andrew Kibblewhite acknowledged the effect the proposal could have on employees. “I firstly want to acknowledge the impact that this change proposal will have on the staff who are involved in this incredibly important work,” Kibblewhite said in a media release.
He said the review underscored the importance of maintaining a coordinated approach across government agencies and sector partners.
“These are complex issues that require a strong, joined-up approach across government. No single agency can do this alone, and effective coordination is essential,” Kibblewhite said.
According to Kibblewhite, the board carefully considered how resources and effort could be deployed most effectively following the review. He said the proposed structure is intended to strengthen collaboration across the system and support improved outcomes for people experiencing family violence and sexual violence.
“I am confident the proposed changes will strengthen how the system works together and help us deliver better outcomes for those experiencing family violence and sexual violence,” Kibblewhite said.
The justice secretary also stated that the proposal was not driven by cost-saving measures. Instead, he said the objective is to ensure that available resources are directed toward work that can make the greatest difference.
Consultation with centre staff is scheduled to conclude on 1 July. Final decisions on the proposed structure are expected by the end of July, with implementation anticipated in early September.
