Society welcomes 10-year vision for Not-for-profit sector

St Vincent de Paul Society has welcomed the release of the Not-for-profit Sector Development Blueprint outlining strategies and challenges for the enhancement of Australia’s vital, community-focused organisations.  

‘This milestone report was developed at the Australian Government’s behest by the Blueprint Expert Reference Group (BERG), which I’m pleased to say included the CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society’s National Council Secretariate, Toby oConnor,’ said the Society’s National President, Mark Gaetani. 

‘I’m aware of how much work this entailed over two years for our CEO and representatives from other charities and civil society peak bodies. The findings outlined in the Blueprint are both encouraging and challenging.  

‘It’s under-recognised that one-in-ten working Australians is employed by a charity, with the charity workforce being comparable in size to that of the mining, manufacturing and agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors combined.  

‘Yet the volunteering numbers have been dropping, which is a major challenge for charities such as ours that rely on volunteers to help those in need.’ 

Mr Gaetani said the Blueprint, which contains 18 key initiatives organised across three strategic pillars, is the most comprehensive forward plan of the Not-for-profit Sector ever developed.  

‘This is a true codesign roadmap for sector-led initiatives as well as Government reforms to boost the Sector’s capacity to support and reconnect Australian communities. Uplifting the not-for-profit sector’s digital and data capabilities, building its diversity and protecting its right to advocate will strengthen and future-proof the sector. 

‘Australia’s not-for-profits, 60,000 of which are charities, are seen as agents for positive change that enhance national wellbeing. The Blueprint sees the sector as “bringing people and communities closer together to support each other and devise responses to local and collective problems. Australia’s not-for-profit sector enriches social cohesion, contributes substantially to our economy, and protects our democratic system”. 

‘However, considerable work is needed to harmonise regulatory and legislative frameworks, reform funding and procurement processes, and invest in the wellbeing of the sector’s paid workforce and volunteers,’ Mr Gaetani added. 

‘The Blueprint is an invitation for us to lead in the development of a flourishing and sustainable not-for-profit sector. The Australian Government set this ball rolling, and the BERG has done a great job in getting the broadest possible input, studying the issues and delivering recommendations about how not-for-profit organisations can work more productively with and for the Australian community.  

‘Thanks should go to Ministers Amanda Rishworth and Dr Andrew Leigh and the Departments of Social Services and Finance for supporting the work of the BERG, and the two expert advisors, Professor Jo Barraket AM and Professor David Gilchrist. 

‘The challenge now is for everyone from parliamentarians to people working in the sector, both paid and voluntary, and the community more widely, to help make this sector stronger and Australia a more caring and supportive society,’ Mr Gaetani added. 

‘The report sees this as a 10-year journey, but I think we could achieve significant progress in less time if we all set our minds to it. I will certainly be bringing the Blueprint to the attention of my state and territory colleagues.   

‘I can confidently say that St Vincent de Paul Society will be on board with the main recommendations of the Blueprint and will seek to further its goals. Full marks and thanks to those on the BERG for their efforts, to the sector for their contributions and finally, the Australian Government for instigating this process.’ 

Not-for-profit Sector Development Blueprint

The St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia consists of 45,000 members and volunteers who operate on the ground through over 1,000 groups located in local communities across the country.