CORRECTION: In an earlier version of this column former Greens MLA Emma Davidson was incorrectly named as the minister responsible for the Safer Families Levy imbroglio. That ignominy rests with Labor’s Yvette Berry.

“The auditor-general’s report is a searing indictment on both the previous minister, Labor’s Yvette Berry, and the directorate officers who have failed so spectacularly,” writes political columnist MICHAEL MOORE.

The auditor-general’s blistering report on the use of the domestic violence levy presents a baptism of fire for incoming Minister Marisa Paterson. 

Dr Paterson was appointed Minister for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence early in November. 

The Safer Families Levy (Report No 10 / 2024) was presented to the Speaker of the Assembly around two weeks after her appointment. 

The report is a stinging reflection on the handling of this aspect of her portfolio and damning reflection on the ministerial competence of her predecessor.

The audit report explains that the initiative has been undermined by a series of failures of the directorate for which she now has responsibility. The failures include the lack of a “Territory specific strategy”, and a lack of “understanding regarding up-to-date needs of the ACT in responding to domestic and family violence”. 

The levy to finance the Safer Families Initiative was originally $30 a household, but is increasing to $50 a household by 2024-25. This will increase further to $70 in 2026-27 with an expectation of raising $49.401 million over the next four years.

Ironically, on November 25, Minister Paterson published a media release recognising the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the commencement of the annual campaign of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. 

She called on “all Canberrans to unite against discrimination and violence towards women”.

She added: “The ACT government is unwavering in its commitment to preventing and addressing the serious and pervasive issue of gendered violence and ensuring people who choose to use violence are held responsible for their behaviour.”

The intent is good, but “the way to hell is paved with good intentions”. For effective delivery of the unwavering commitment there, she must ensure appropriate drive and competent administration.

The auditor-general points out: “There is no formal process to call for, or discover, domestic and family violence initiatives to be funded through the Safer Families Initiative”. 

There was no information about how new initiatives “would complement or duplicate activities under existing Safer Families initiatives”.

Perhaps the method of distribution was the “squeaky wheel” or “who knows who”! It’s hard to know.

On the plus side, the audit did review five of the Safer Families Initiatives and found that performance outcomes and objectives, the indicators, and reporting along with monitoring and assurance, were carried out appropriately. 

However, the reports to the ACT Legislative Assembly by the former minister deteriorated over time. The 2023 statement “was less structured than in previous years and did not provide information on planned, actual or future expected performance”. 

The report is a searing indictment on both the previous minister, Labor’s Yvette Berry, and the directorate officers who have failed so spectacularly.

Dr Paterson will have to consider the best way to proceed. Taking advice from the directorate officers, who have failed her predecessor, will not be enough. This will be a challenge as to her competence as a minister.

The good news for Dr Paterson is that the audit report has made four clear recommendations on how to resolve this serious failure in administration. The recommendations cover strategic planning, consistent performance monitoring, twice yearly reporting on Domestic and Family Violence Review, and improvements to general reporting of the initiative.

Further good news, since Dr Paterson is a minister in a minority government, is the support that she has received from independent Thomas Emerson. He has already supported her announcement that all funds raised through this levy will now go to frontline services. 

Mr Emerson noted, on behalf of Independents for Canberra, that “this was one of three core commitments in our safety for women and children policy package”.

Committing the funds to frontline services is an important step forward. However, it is not enough to resolve the challenges facing the minister. How did it get to this? Who was responsible? What actions will she need to demand from her directorate to ensure that her commitments and the four recommendations are delivered effectively.

Dr Paterson’s response to the auditor-general’s report will be a tough test on her capability as a minister. It is a transparency requirement that responses to auditor-general’s reports be tabled in the Legislative Assembly. It will be available for all to see.

Michael Moore is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and an independent minister for health. He has been a political columnist with “CityNews” since 2006.