Australian Govt and not-for-profit sector sign national compact
The Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Voluntary Sector, Ursula Stephens on 17 March signed a national compact on behalf of the Australian Government, along with 23 foundation signatories from the not-for-profit sector.
The Rudd Government developed the compact in consultation with Australia’s third sector – the broad range of not-for-profit organisations that exist to provide services, advance causes, share enthusiasm, preserve traditions or worship together.
The recent Productivity Report into the not-for-profit sector highlighted the important economic contribution it plays, providing more than $43 billion to the Australian economy each year.
Not-for-profit organisations also contribute to good public policy, enrich our culture, protect our environment and promote health and wellbeing, as well as advocate on behalf of Australian communities including vulnerable and marginalised groups, the Prime Minister said.
The National Compact: working together includes eight priorities for action:
- Document and promote the value and contribution of the sector;
- Protect the sector’s right to advocacy irrespective of any funding relationship that might exist;
- Recognise sector diversity in consultation processes and sector development initiatives;
- Improve information sharing including greater access to publicly funded research and data;
- Reduce red tape and streamline reporting;
- Simplify and improve consistency of financial arrangements including across state and Federal jurisdictions;
- Act to improve paid and unpaid workforce issues; and
- Improve funding and procurement processes.
All not-for-profit organisations are invited to sign up to the compact. Interested organisations should visit http://www.nationalcompact.gov.au
