Future ‘uncertain’ for not for profit sector
A national network of care and social justice agencies has raised concerns over the uncertainty of the not for profit sector’s future – both for staff and clients.
Kasy Chambers claims government is not yet working in partnership with the sector.
Anglicare Australia, which provides assistance to the aged, needy families, and youth and children, expressed its anxieties over the abolition of the Australian Charities and Not for profits Commission (ACNC).
Kasy Chambers, Anglicare Australia executive director, says the ongoing uncertainty for vital public programs and moves to abolish the ACNC show government is not yet working in partnership with the sector.
“As an independent regulator, the ACNC is already ensuring greater transparency and accountability, and reducing red tape. It has the support of the vast majority of organisations in the sector, as shown in last year’s Pro Bono survey and the signatories of the Community Council of Australia open letter this week,” she says.
Pro Bono Australia, which provides the latest news, jobs, events and information about the not for profit sector, found 81% support the ACNC, as revealed in a survey conducted late last year.
The repeal of the ACNC, Ms Chambers claims, will recreate more bureaucracy, lessen protection for the public and add unnecessarily to the workload of community service providers.
“It will also create uncertainty as there is no clear replacement. Uncertainty is the biggest enemy of efficiency, as big business tells us.
“A far greater concern for Anglicare Australia, and other NFPs, is the uncertainty around continued funding for programs such as the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness and the Family Support Program, which are due to expire on 30 June.
“To deliver the most effective community support you need to be able to keep your best staff, and maintain trust with the people you are working with. Both these goals are undermined when funding is so completely uncertain.”
According to Ms Chambers, backward steps on independent regulation of the not for profit sector and ongoing uncertainty of vital programs show “little respect” for the sector and the work the sector does.
“It provides the perfect climate for many in our community to be left behind,” she says.
