The Australian Government has announced that the new National Compact with the Third Sector will be launched at an official signing ceremony at Parliament House on 17 March.

The Compact aims to strengthen the working relationship between Government and the not-for-profit (or Third) Sector and is an important part of the Government’s Social Inclusion Agenda. It has been developed following extensive consultations between the Government and other stakeholders including Third Sector organisations, state and territory governments, peak bodies, academics and individuals. The feedback from the consultation process is outlined in the recently released National Compact Consultation Report.

Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Senator the Hon Ursula Stephens said:

“The Compact will become the foundation from which together we can better serve the Australian community - from providing homelessness services and helping new migrants to settle in Australia, to protecting our environment and enriching our cultural life.”

Senator Stephens also announced the appointment of the members of a National Compact Sector Advisory Group. Together, the Government and the Sector Advisory Group will develop concrete plans to implement the Compact’s shared principles and aspirations.

For more information about the National Compact visit the Ministers’ Media Centre.

Details about the Sector Advisory Group can be found on the social inclusion website.

The National Compact Consultation Report is available on the FaHCSIA website.