
What NFPs want a future government to deliver
Posted on 10 Apr 2025
The nation’s community sector has a shopping list of positive and progressive policies it wants a…
Posted on 19 Nov 2024
By Greg Thom, journalist, Institute of Community Directors Australia
Charities Minister Andrew Leigh has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to charitable advocacy.
In a recent keynote speech at an event organised by the Paul Ramsay Foundation, Dr Leigh cited three emotive examples from recent Australian history he said were stories of social change driven by the activist power of communities, philanthropy and charities:
“These stories remind us that big change sometimes begins with people power,” Dr Leigh told his audience at the Influence & Advocacy: Shaping Policy with Purpose event.
“It can begin with the work of charities, community groups, and philanthropists. I want to acknowledge the work that each of you do in identifying those issues for the future.”
Despite the momentous outcomes sparked by early activist efforts in the examples he brought to life, Dr Leigh acknowledged however there was still work to be done.
“One of the challenges for philanthropy isn’t just to solve the traditional problems, but to identify fresh problems.”
“You don’t truly support charitable advocacy if you only do so when charity advocates agree with you. You have to support charitable advocacy as a principle."
Dr Leigh said governments must ensure they adopted a without fear or favour approach to charitable advocacy, even if that meant it was ideologically uncomfortable for the party in power.
“As a member of the government, let me make clear that the work that charities do, advocating for better policies, is something that is warmly welcomed,” he said.
“It’s warmly welcomed when it aligns with us ideologically. It is welcomed too when it differs with us.
“You don’t truly support charitable advocacy if you only do so when charity advocates agree with you. You have to support charitable advocacy as a principle. As a government, we do.”
Following his opening address, Dr Leigh was joined on stage for a panel discussion by executive director of the Australian Democracy Network, Saffron Zomer, First Nations justice director at Australian Progress, Amelia Telford and CEO of the Paul Ramsay Foundation, Professor Kristy Muir on the importance of promoting, protecting, and funding public interest advocacy.
Posted on 10 Apr 2025
The nation’s community sector has a shopping list of positive and progressive policies it wants a…
Posted on 08 Apr 2025
Veteran politician Fiona Patten knows what it takes to win in politics, having achieved a string of…
Posted on 01 Apr 2025
Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down his fourth budget on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
Posted on 31 Mar 2025
In late 2024, we asked our members to complete a short survey on their experience as a grantseeker…
Posted on 26 Mar 2025
Watch the recording of our latest online information session, hosted by the Funding Centre team on…
Posted on 26 Mar 2025
A new round of tax cuts was at the centre of the federal government’s strategy to use last night's…
Posted on 13 Mar 2025
A strong membership base is one of the most powerful assets a community organisation can have.
Posted on 13 Mar 2025
Not-for-profits can secure better funding from government by leveraging the growing body of…
Posted on 13 Mar 2025
Take a deep breath. Recognise that smell? Yep. It’s election season. So get your campaign pants on…
Posted on 13 Mar 2025
Australian not-for-profits want any future federal government to shake up funding, slash red tape…
Posted on 10 Mar 2025
This page provides information about financial assistance available to not-for-profit organisations…
Posted on 06 Mar 2025
Sector organisations say a long-awaited federal “grants engagement framework”, with commitments to…