Invitation for public comment on a social compact

The Australian Government’s social inclusion agenda is a whole-of-government approach, to provide opportunities for all Australians to participate in the life of the nation.

This social inclusion agenda recognises the importance of giving all Australians the opportunity to work; to access the services they need; to connect with their family and friends; to become involved in their local community; to have the skills to deal with crises when they might arise; and to have the chance to make their voices heard.  It is also about recognising there are barriers that prevent participation.

The Australian Government is exploring ways to develop a new and stronger relationship with the not-for-profit sector, based on partnership and respect, including an Australian Compact.

This is an agreement between the Australian Government and the not-for-profit sector, that outlines how the two will work together to improve and strengthen their relationship, now and into the future.

A compact could also provide a platform for discussion and agreement between the Australian Government and the sector, about how to achieve objectives that will benefit the community.

Similar agreements are in place in many Australian states and territories, and have been used overseas.

Exactly what an Australian Compact will look like will depend on what Australia wants it to achieve, and what will best suit Australia’s unique government and non profit landscape.

The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) is consulting widely to seek the initial views of community organisations and users of community services about the idea of an Australian Compact.

Comments can be submitted by email, (preferably as a Word document), by 17 September 2008 to:

AustralianCompact@fahcsia.gov.au

For further information, visit:

http://www.facs.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/communities/australian_compact.htm