Have your say on how the Government and Third Sector work together

The Minister for Community Services, Jenny Macklin, and Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Senator Ursula Stephens, today launched the second stage of consultations as part of the development of a national compact between the two sectors.

Third sector organisations and individuals are invited to share their ideas on developing a stronger working relationship with the Australian Government.

Stakeholders can register online to be involved in the latest consultations through an online forum.

‘The Government wants to hear a broad range of views on how a national compact can help the Australian Government and the third sector work together to provide improved services to the community,’ Ms Macklin said.

‘This is an opportunity to develop a framework based on partnerships and respect. A compact will allow us to work with communities to tackle key social, environmental and economic challenges.’

The second stage of consultations will build on feedback provided from consultations held late last year and recent work carried out by a joint sector and government compact taskforce.

Senator Stephens said the initial consultations called for improved relationships with the Australian Government and formal recognition of the contribution of non-profit organisations in the community.

‘I encourage stakeholders to participate in the interactive online forums, make a submission or attend a consultation in the coming weeks,’ Senator Stephens said.

‘We want to develop a shared vision for the compact with key commitments from both the third sector and the Australian Government to make a difference in local communities.’

For more information or to register your interest in the online consultation forum, please visit Social Inclusion website (www.socialinclusion.gov.au/forums) or call 1800 607 839 (Monday to Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm AEST).