On 11 September 2017 the following matter was referred to Finance and Public Administration References Committee for inquiry and report by 14 November 2017:

The delivery of National Outcome 4 of the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and Their Children 2010-2022, ‘Services meet the needs of women and their children experiencing violence,’ insofar as that Outcome is given effect by the 1800 RESPECT Domestic and Sexual Violence National Counselling Service (“the service”), with particular reference to:

1. the adequacy and quality of counselling provided, including:
   1. the funding made available for counselling,
   2. the counselling model and associated counselling practices,
   3. the protection of privacy and confidentiality for those who use the service,
   4. the efficacy and appropriateness of the triage model adopted in relation to the service in 2016, and
   5. the infrastructure required for the provision of the service;
2. the procurement arrangements for the service, including contractual and tender arrangements;
3. the engagement of staff and contractors, including:
   1. their qualifications and working conditions,
   2. the professional standards and ethical obligations applicable to those providing the service, and
   3. the oversight and quality assurance undertaken in relation to those providing the service;
4. evaluation arrangements for the service;
5. best practice for domestic and sexual violence counselling; and
6. any other related matters.

Submission closing date is 6 October 2017. The report is due to be tabled on 14 November 2017. On 13 November 2017, the Senate granted an extension of time for reporting until 27 November 2017. On 27 November 2017, the Committee was granted a further extension to 4 December 2017. On 4 December 2017, the Committee was granted a further extension to 15 December 2017.