How did the minister handle the tough questions on the Not-for-profit Agenda?

Challenged to counter fears that the reform push wouldn’t generate substantial change, the minister drew a stark contrast between the previous Coalition government, which waged “war on charities”, and the current Labor government.

“We've made clear that we welcome issue advocacy by charities, not-for-profits, including when that issue advocacy disagrees with positions that the government has taken,” Dr Leigh said.

He cited the example of the Stronger Charities Alliance’s push for a legislated “right to advocate” and told the hundreds of sector leaders in attendance that “people appreciate that we have a Charities and Not-for-profits Commission that is firmly on the side of charities … looking to work constructively across the sector”.

The minister also responded to questioning about the pace of fundraising reforms, how funding arrangements might change following a community sector funding review, and the need to boost funding for sector capacity building.

While the minister topped the bill, the fast-paced hour-long webinar also screened video interviews with other sector leaders:

• Opposition charities spokesman Senator Dean Smith
• NFP Sector Blueprint lead author Professor Jo Barraket AM
• Community Directors Council chair and former ACNC commissioner Adj Prof Susan Pascoe AM
• Philanthropy Australia’s Sam Rosevear
• Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek
• ACOSS community services program director Rob Sturrock
• Scope Disability Services director Barbara Hingston AM
• McAuley Community Services for Women CEO Jocelyn Bignold OAM
• Fundraising strategist and Community Directors Council member Catherine Brooks
• Good Things Foundation CEO Jess Wilson

Each discussed critical issues facing the not-for-profit sector ahead of these major inquiries.

Watch the full replay above.