Queensland Consolidated Acts

COMMUNITY SERVICES ACT 2007 - SECT 5

This Act is to be administered in a way that has sufficient regard to the following principles--

(a) a community is sustainable if it is socially, culturally and economically diverse, cohesive, inclusive, active, resilient and adaptable and has access to appropriate services, infrastructure and amenities;

(b) the availability of sustainable, quality, safe, responsive and accountable community services enhances the quality of life of people living in the community, and contributes to the wellbeing of the community, by enabling people to participate in its social and economic life;

(c) the provision of community services by service providers delivers significant social and other benefits for individuals, families and communities by building on community strengths, providing flexibility, facilitating innovation and bringing local resources together;

(d) the department and service providers should work together to meet common aims in a way that recognises each entity's autonomy, contributions and accountabilities;

(e) the department's support for community services should--

(i) build capacity and promote best practice in the governance and delivery of community services; and

(ii) be integrated, as far as is reasonably practicable, with the provision of other relevant services;

(f) community services should be provided in a way that--

(i) responds to the diverse and changing needs of individuals, families and communities; and

(ii) has appropriate regard to local and regional differences, cultural diversity, Aboriginal tradition and Island custom and the disadvantage historically experienced by indigenous communities; and

(iii) builds partnerships across all levels of government and with communities; and

(iv) facilitates choice, maximises participation, encourages self-help and promotes voluntary effort; and

(v) respects the rights and responsibilities of individuals, families and communities; and

(vi) fosters the dignity and independence of individuals, especially the most vulnerable; and

(vii) takes account of individuals, families and communities in greatest need;

(g) the needs, views, interests and priorities of users of community services, community members, elected and other representatives of the community and service providers, should be taken into account--

(i) by the department in developing policy and delivering programs and services for community services; and

(ii) by service providers in delivering community services.

Editor's note--

Acts Interpretation Act 1954, section 36--

Aboriginal tradition means the body of traditions, observances, customs and beliefs of Aboriginal people generally or of a particular community or group of Aboriginal people, and includes any such traditions, observances, customs and beliefs relating to particular persons, areas, objects or relationships.

Island custom, known in the Torres Strait as Ailan Kastom, means the body of customs, traditions, observances and beliefs of Torres Strait Islanders generally or of a particular community or group of Torres Strait Islanders, and includes any such customs, traditions, observances and beliefs relating to particular persons, areas, objects or relationships.