Restoring respect for the community sector

An Albanese Labor Government will support a stronger, more diverse and more independent community sector.

Through floods, fires and a pandemic, the community sector has stepped up to provide support to struggling Australians.

Despite this, the Morrison Government has repeatedly tried to devalue and silence community sector voices. At the same time, many community sector organisations have been working with less money, less funding certainty and increased stress.

If elected, Labor will change this.

We will end the Coalition’s attacks on the community sector, by scrapping gag clauses and restoring the freedom to advocate.

Grants will reflect the real cost of delivering quality services, ending the practice of competing on wages. Contract terms will be longer so that organisations can plan for the future, workers have certainty, and services can become part of the community they serve.

We will also ensure grant funding flows to a greater diversity of not-for-profits, with a renewed priority of partnering with trusted community organisations with strong local links.

Community sector and not for profit organisations that support our communities should be treated as respected partners of government. Labor will give the sector the voice and respect it deserves.

Australian charities work hard to give millions of Australians a fair go. In turn, Labor will work with charities to support their work improving Australian communities.

ENDS

Authorised by Paul Erickson, ALP, Canberra