Governance

Relationships Australia is a federation of eight state and territory organisations providing a range of counselling, dispute resolution and family support servicesto children, couples, families, individuals, workplaces and communities around the country. Each state and territory Relationships Australia organisation has an independent board, a chief executive officer, senior executive team and staff, providing a range of services to clients.

While a large proportion of Relationships Australia work is funded by the federal departments of Attorney-General and Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, each organisation also has funding for particular services from their respective state and territory governments. This has resulted in a mix of services that makes each organisation unique, although all member organisations offer core federally funded programs.

A national office in Canberra provides support services to the federation of Relationships Australia organisations.  It is staffed by a national executive officer, policy manager and three support staff.  The national office is funded by an annual contribution from each state and territory organisation.

The national board comprises the chief executive officers of each of the eight state and territory organisations, and the national executive officer reports to that board. The board generally meets quarterly in person, and quarterly by teleconference. The chair, deputy chair and sub-committee positions are elected from and by members of the board. Secretariat support for the board is provided by the national office.

The following is a list of names of key people responsible for the governance of the Relationships Australia federation: