The Australian Government, as part of its social inclusion agenda, is exploring ways to develop a new and stronger relationship with the not-for-profit sector, based on partnership and respect.
One way to do this is through a National Compact - an agreement between the Australian Government and the not-for-profit sector outlining how the two will work together to improve and strengthen their relationship, now and into the future.
A National 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.
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 allowing 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.
Promoting social inclusion requires a new way of governing. Australia must rethink how policy and programs across portfolios and levels of government can work together to combat economic and social disadvantage in Australia and break down the barriers to participation.
The agenda recognises the critical role the not-for-profit sector plays in delivering services, advising and developing social policy, and advocating on behalf of marginalised groups. A strong relationship between the government and the sector will be crucial to the success of the agenda and related reforms.
The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) consulted widely seeking the initial views of community organisations and users of community services about the value of developing a compact and whether it could improve the lives of Australians. Submission closed on 24 September 2008.
The Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) was also commissioned to consult and canvass initial views and principles with its members and other organisations. ACOSS distributed a discussion paper on the Compact and held a series of public forums across Australia.
Senator Ursula Stephens, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector attended many of these forums and wrote to a range of peak bodies, state and territory governments and not-for-profit organisations seeking their comments.
FaHCSIA is currently reviewing all submissions and comments received as part of the initial phase of consultation.
The full National Compact Consultation report from ACOSS released by the Hon Jenny Macklin MP.
ACOSS was required to report on the outcome of the initial consultations. This report finds that considerable momentum has been generated with participants and revealed a genuine desire from the sector to be engaged in partnerships with the Government. Most participants viewed the aims of a compact as relevant to their activities and supported further dialogue with the Government and within the sector.
An Expert Panel to advise on the consultation process, reflecting diversity of the sector was established. View the
list of members webpage.
The Panel held its first meeting in Melbourne on 16 September 2008. Click here to view its first
Communiqué.
The Panel’s second meeting was held in Canberra on 5 November 2008. Click here to view the second
Communiqué.
The Panel’s third meeting was held in Melbourne on 15 December 2008. Click here to view the third
Communiqué.Up-to-date information on the development of the National Compact will be made available on this website.
If you would like to receive more information or provide comments please send your email to AustralianCompact@fahcsia.gov.au or by post to:
National Compact
Community Support Program
Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
PO Box 7576
Canberra Business Centre ACT 2610