The federal Labor party has announced it will develop a national blueprint for the not-for-profit sector if elected, which has been welcomed by the St Vincent de Paul Society who called on all parties to match the promise.
On Friday, April 22, Labor said they would establish a not-for-profit sector expert reference panel, which would work with treasury, business, philanthropy, volunteering and other key stakeholders to produce a sector development plan.
St Vincent de Paul Society national president Claire Victory said the announcement recognises the “essential role” charities play in supporting Australians in need, and their contribution to the broader economy.
“While further details are needed, we welcome Labor’s commitment to create a national blueprint for the not-for-profit sector through the establishment of an expert reference panel and consultation with stakeholders across government, business and the community,” Ms Victory said.
“The best outcomes, as always, are achieved when governments partner with the not-for-profit sector to co-design policies and programs that align with the most urgent needs of the community and make the best use of charities’ resources.”
Ms Victory said the most vulnerable Australians had been “largely forgotten, or ignored, during this election”.
“This neglect was demonstrated by last week’s cruel and unnecessary decision by both major parties not to lift JobSeeker, which will relegate millions of Australians to live in poverty for years to come,” Ms Victory said.
“The St Vincent de Paul Society is calling on parties and candidates at the federal election to address widening inequality and lift Australia’s most vulnerable out of poverty.
“We have put forward a suite of compassionate, practical and affordable policies that we hope will start a conversation about how a fairer Australia can be achieved,” she said.
