
Hospitality jobs on the menu for long term unemployed
Posted on 19 Jun 2025
A new initiative aims to give young refugees, migrants and asylum seekers who are trying to forge a…
Posted on 04 Nov 2024
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?
Watch the Not-for-profit Agenda for expert analysis of how the Budget affects your organisation
Posted on 19 Jun 2025
A new initiative aims to give young refugees, migrants and asylum seekers who are trying to forge a…
Posted on 17 Jun 2025
The solutions necessary to change the sector for the better are well known. It’s finding the money…
Posted on 17 Jun 2025
Donations to community organisations ahead of the end of the financial year have increased for the…
Posted on 17 Jun 2025
Ariella Weinmann uses her graphic design skills to help not-for-profits make the world a better…
Posted on 17 Jun 2025
Philanthropy Australia has urged the federal government not to “cherry pick” the implementation of…
Posted on 14 Jun 2025
Mergers in the in the not-for-profit sector are on the rise and while the benefits can be…
Posted on 13 Jun 2025
Local news initiatives are winning the loyalty of the grateful communities they serve, but they…
Posted on 13 Jun 2025
Not-for-profits (NFPs) are under so much financial pressure, many are considering merging with…
Posted on 12 Jun 2025
Not-for-profits and charities can now access free one-on-one tech advice to help them identify how…
Posted on 12 Jun 2025
One in four Australians say they frequently ran out of food before they could afford to buy more…
Posted on 11 Jun 2025
The federal government has opened consultation on proposed reforms to public and private ancillary…
Posted on 10 Jun 2025
Australia’s army of first responder’s routinely put their lives on the line to protect the…