Why a National Compact?
The Government is committed to pursuing its Social Inclusion Agenda through, amongst other things, a strong relationship with the Third Sector (or non-profit sector), based on collaboration and respect.
A National Compact between the Australian Government and the Third Sector is one way to build a strong relationship by setting out how we will work together to improve and strengthen that relationship, now and in the future.
It will provide a framework for building the capacity of non-profit and other non-government community organisations to improve community wellbeing.
The Compact’s development has gone through a number of significant steps. Senator the Hon Ursula Stephens the Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, has the responsibility for leading the development of the Compact, in conjunction with the Hon Jenny Macklin MP, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, and other Ministers.
Step 1: Consultations
The Government is committed to a robust and creative relationship with the Third Sector because it provides so many important services to people in the community. In developing the National Compact, FaHCSIA consulted widely with organisations from across the Third Sector.
An Expert Panel was formed in 2008 to advise on the initial consultation process. They held three meetings and a communiqué was released after each meeting.
The Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) was involved in this first phase of the consultation process and prepared a full report that indicated there was a genuine desire within the Sector for a Compact between the Third Sector and the Australian Government.
The second phase of consultation (May - October 2009), focused on engaging Sector and Government representatives to seek their input to the content and focus of the Compact.
During this phase of consultations two bodies were established: an Across Government Working Group was convened from agencies across the Australian Public Service and the National Compact Joint Taskforce was established.
Step 2: National Compact Development
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The National Compact Joint Taskforce was formed of 18 members from Third Sector organisations, Commonwealth government agencies, local government and the Australian Council of Trade Unions. The Joint Taskforce met for the first time on 11 May 2009 to commence drafting a National Compact between the Australian Government and the Third Sector.
On 20 July 2009, over 70 Third Sector leaders and Government representatives met to finalise the draft principles for inclusion in the National Compact.
National Compact Workshop ( PPT 598KB |  RTF 101KB)
Video messages are available on the videos and transcripts
Public consultation commenced on 3 August 2009 with the launch of an online forum. A National Compact Consultation paper, Toolkit and online survey were developed to promote further discussion about the National Compact Consultation paper.
Consultation Paper ( PDF 300KB |  HTML)
Below is an Easy English version of the Consultation paper provided in PDF.
Easy English Consultation Paper ( PDF 1.2MB)
Consultations closed at the end of October 2009 and copies of submissions are available on the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs website.
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National Compact Sector Advisory Group
The Sector Advisory Group has been established to advise the Australian Government on the implementation strategy for the National Compact; provide high-level leadership and advice; and champion the Compact more broadly across the Third Sector.
More information about the Sector Advisory Group can be found in the Terms of Reference.
Current members of the Sector Advisory Group are:
- Dr Ron Edwards (Independent Chair) - WA
- Mr James Demetriou - VIC
- Fr Brian Lucas - NSW
- Ms Anne Robinson BA LLB (Hons) FAICD TEP - NSW
- Mr Simon Schrapel - SA
- Mr David Crosbie - ACT
- Dr Ingrid Burkett - QLD
- Ms Marilyn Miller - QLD
- Ms Nada Roude - NSW
- Ms Maryanne Diamond - VIC
- Dr Bro Sheffield-Brotherton - VIC
More information on members is available on the profile page.
Contact
Email: australiancompact@fahcsia.gov.au
Phone: (02) 6244 7902
Address: GPO Box 7576
Canberra Business Centre
ACT 2610