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By Greg Thom, journalist, Institute of Community Directors Australia
Shadow Charities Minister Dean Smith has lashed the federal government over the pace of sector reform.
In a live interview on the Not-for-profit Agenda webcast, Senator Smith said he was disturbed by the government’s lack of urgency in addressing issues raised in three major reviews into the sector.
“I’ve got to applaud the not-for-profit sector because you’ve demonstrated great patience,” said Senator Smith, referring to the slow progress on the Productivity Commission's inquiry into philanthropy, the Department of Social Services' review of community sector funding, and the NFP Sector Development Blueprint.
The Productivity Commission's report, which explores ways to double philanthropic giving, was delivered to the government in May, while the two other inquiries are yet to be finalised.
“Having come out of a pandemic experience with very real economic challenges that are being felt across the community …. I would have thought the government would have acted with much greater haste around all these things [inquiries],” said Senator Smith.
“Things have taken too long, and the need is real, and the need is urgent. I would approach it with more [political] leadership and less process.”
In a wide-ranging interview, Senator Smith:
“However the government choose to respond to the Productivity Commission [report], it will not be legislated in this parliament,” said Senator Smith.
“It probably will not be legislated in the first two years of the next parliament. That’s not progress. That’s not reform.”
“I’ve got to applaud the not-for-profit sector because you’ve demonstrated great patience.”
While Senator Smith was the headline guest on this edition of the Not-for-profit Agenda, which explored the theme of campaigns, the hour-long webinar also screened video interviews with other sector leaders. These included:
How did the minister handle the tough questions on the Not-for-profit Agenda?
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