The Albanese Government is committed to being a partner to Australia’s charities and not‑for‑profits.
We welcome the delivery of the Not‑for‑profit Sector Development Blueprint, which will help the sector set its own direction and inform our ongoing work to boost the capacity and capability of this vital sector.
Developed by the Blueprint Expert Reference Group, the Blueprint sets out the Expert Reference Group’s priorities for development and reform over the next decade.
The blueprint includes 18 initiatives grouped across three pillars:
- an enabling operational and regulatory environment, focused on funding, improved philanthropy and harmonising regulation and data collection,
- a strong people‑led and purpose‑driven sector, focused on co‑governance, co‑design and shared decision making, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self‑determination and community control, and
- an adaptive and dynamic sector, focused on innovation, digital transformation, and improved outcomes measurement.
The Government will consider the proposals in the Blueprint, alongside those of the Productivity Commission’s philanthropy inquiry, to guide short, medium, and long‑term reform paths for the sector.
Since coming into government, the Australian Government has made positive changes to support Australia’s charities and not for profits. We have:
- Improved the deductible gift recipient system by creating a new pathway for community foundations to access tax deductible status.
- Streamlined the deductible gift recipient application process for environmental organisations, harm prevention charities, cultural organisations, and overseas aid organisations.
- Introduced legislation to give the Australian Charities and Not‑for‑profits Commission greater discretion to comment publicly on harmful breaches of compliance, to better support public trust and confidence in the regulatory framework.
- Appointed a widely respected charity sector expert, Sue Woodward, to head the Australian Charities and Not‑for‑profits Commission.
- Refreshed the Australian Charities and Not‑for‑profits Commission Advisory Board to be more representative of the charity sector, bringing First Nations, CALD and youth voices onto the Board.
- Sent a clear signal that charitable advocacy is supported and welcomed by this government.
- Worked with state and territory governments to streamline and harmonise fundraising rules across jurisdictions.
- Funded a new General Social Survey with new questions on participation in volunteering and involvement in cultural events and cultural activities, and providing insights reflecting the impact of giving, participation, and purpose driven activity.
A smarter and stronger charity sector will support vulnerable Australians and build better connected communities.
My thanks to the members of the Blueprint Expert Reference Group its secretariat in the Department of Social Services and Professors Jo Barraket and David Gilchrist for their hard work over the past 18 months.