I’ve just returned from the Stronger Charities Alliance barbeque at Parliament House.
The Stronger Charities Alliance was founded as Hands Off Our Charities back when the Morrison Government was undermining charity rights. The renaming reflects optimism that the charities sector can grow and thrive, not just fight off threats. The Alliance unites over 170 charities, many of whom were there today.
Historically, charities and not-for-profits have been quiet relative to their size and economic importance. The charity sector is about as large as the entire Australian retail sector or the education and training sector – but you wouldn’t know it from how fiercely the retailers, university VCs and private schools lobby for their interests. Charities speak out often, but for the benefit of the voiceless rather than the ongoing health of the sector.
That’s why the Stronger Charities Alliance and today’s engagement with politicians are so important. The sector is flexing its muscles.
Assistant Minister Andrew Leigh spoke, reminding those attending that the Albanese Government has not undermined charities as previous Coalition Governments had, and that there have been some reforms. But he couldn’t provide an update on the Stronger Charities Alliance’s three big reform requests, which are backed by the government’s own panel of independent experts:
- recognise that advocacy benefits the public,
- prohibit government officers from restricting the voices of charities when they are receiving government funding, and
- require the merit-based and transparent appointment of the Commissioner of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
Dr Leigh made special mention of the work of Saffron Zomer and Stronger Charities Alliance in training representatives of charities in how to advocate to politicians – ensuring that beyond the lobbyists for powerful corporations, Parliament House also hears from “voices speaking out for the voiceless”.
After all, the not-for-profit sector is a large employer, provides vital services and support and enjoys tremendous goodwill from Australians. Service providers hear directly from those affected by government decisions and economic priorities. Why should charities receive less care and attention than noisy for-profit industries that employ far fewer Australians?
1 Comment
"Charities speak out often, but for the benefit of the voiceless rather than the ongoing health of the sector."
yeah nah they speak out for themselves and their funding quite often