Australia's network of Councils of Social Service (COSS Network) has welcomed the release of the Blueprint for the National Not-for-Profit Sector (the Blueprint) and called for the Federal Government to implement its recommendations.
Facilitated by the Federal Government, the Blueprint has been developed by the NFP Sector as an independent, non-partisan, 10 year reform roadmap for a stronger and more sustainable sector. ACOSS was a member of the Blueprint Expert Reference Group (BERG).
The Federal Government must now issue a detailed, written response to the Blueprint and each of its initiatives, including a proposed timeframe for implementation, by 31 March 2025.
It contains 18 key initiatives organised across three strategic pillars:
Pillar One: An enabling operational and regulatory environment for the NFP sector to thrive;
Pillar Two: A people-led and purpose driven NFP Sector; and
Pillar Three: An adaptive and dynamic forward-focussed NFP Sector.
"The community not-for-profit sector is one of the most significant parts of civil society, employing millions of people, generating economic value and, crucially, helping people in communities around the nation," said ACOSS CEO, Dr Cassandra Goldie.
"The Blueprint sets out a clear framework and pathway to addressing the immediate systemic issues facing our sector, including chronic underfunding of essential services, the ability of charities to advocate for systemic change and prioritising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination and community control. It also addresses the sector's medium to longer-term challenges, such as climate adaptation and digital transformation.
"The COSS Network strongly urges all members of the Federal Parliament to engage with BERG and the Blueprint, and to give the Blueprint the serious consideration, respect and support it deserves."
The COSS Network acknowledges the outstanding work of the sector leaders on the Blueprint Expert Reference Group (BERG) in developing this important document over the past two years.
The community sector will be integral to implementing the reforms outlined in this roadmap, and the COSS Network is ready to lend its expertise and leadership as best it can.
We also encourage charities and NFP organisations across our communities to examine the initiatives set out in the Blueprint, and to support our calls for full implementation.
