Sector reforms lead this month’s Not-for-profit Agenda

The Not-for-profit Agenda, airing at 12.30pm AEDT on Thursday, November 20, is Community Directors’ free one-hour lunchtime show hosted online via Zoom. It brings NFP and charity leaders up to speed on the topics that keep them awake at night.

Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek is the latest to be added to the mix of not-for-profit thinkers addressing the biggest issues facing the sector.

Plibersek recently announced federal plans for new longer-term contracts she says will slash red tape and cover the true cost of services for community service organisations.

Video reports will also provide updates on a blueprint guiding the sector's future, care economy reforms, First Nations rights, how community leaders can activate their considerable political clout, and details of the Community Directors “radical moderate” project.

Witty will join the event live for a Q&A about how Labor’s agenda will affect the NFP sector.

The webinar also features video reports from:

• Veteran journalist Ray Martin at the annual Joan Kirner Social Justice Oration
• Dr Jill Gallagher AO on the promise of Victoria’s First Nations treaty
• Pollster Kos Samaras on the rising political power of not-for-profits
• Adele Stowe-Lindner on Community Directors’ “radical moderate” project
• Prof Jo Barraket on next steps for the Not-for-profit Sector Development Blueprint
• Productivity Commissioner Alison Roberts on care economy reforms
• VCOSS chief Juanita Pope on lessons from VCOSS's recent summit

Sarah Witty MP remains a powerful ally for not-for-profits, having run one herself.

The former chief executive of the Nappy Collective – which distributes two million nappies each year to families facing disadvantage – helped the organisation rebuild, increase its national volunteer network and achieve financial stability.

Witty’s maiden speech stressed her commitment to the sector, touched on her time as a foster mum, and underlined her strong views about climate action, fully funded public education, and equality for women, migrants, queer Australians, First Nations people and people with disability.

“I believe in an Australia where every person has a safe and secure home, education is free, health care is universal and no one is left behind – an Australia where every child, no matter the postcode, can live a full, free and fantastic life. I believe in a democracy where truth is spoken, where First Nations voices are heard and where climate justice is not an afterthought but a foundation. I believe government can, and must, be a force for fairness, for equality, for hope and for transformation,” she told Parliament.

Witty will speak about her key interests in the social sector, Labor’s agenda, and how the government will help not-for-profits achieve their goals. It’s expected she will also address government government initiatives affecting the sector.