A National Compact

A new partnership between the Australian Government and the not-for-profit Sector.

What is a National Compact?
The Social Inclusion Agenda and the Not-for-Profit Sector
Initial Consultations
Expert Panel
More Information

What is a National Compact?

The Australian Government, as part of its social inclusion agenda, is exploring ways to develop a new and stronger relationship with the not-for-profit sector, based on partnership and respect.

One way to do this is through a National Compact - an agreement between the Australian Government and the not-for-profit sector outlining how the two will work together to improve and strengthen their relationship, now and into the future.

A National Compact could also provide a platform for discussion and agreement between the Australian Government and the sector about how to achieve objectives that will benefit the community.

Similar agreements are in place in many Australian states and territories and have been used overseas.

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The Social Inclusion Agenda and the Not-for-Profit Sector

The Australian Government's social inclusion agenda is a whole-of-government approach to provide opportunities for all Australians to participate in the life of the nation.

This social inclusion agenda recognises the importance of allowing all Australians:

the opportunity to work
to access the services they need
to connect with their family and friends
to become involved in their local community
to have the skills to deal with crises when they might arise; and
to have the chance to make their voices heard. It is also about recognising there are barriers that prevent participation.

Promoting social inclusion requires a new way of governing. Australia must rethink how policy and programs across portfolios and levels of government can work together to combat economic and social disadvantage in Australia and break down the barriers to participation.

The agenda recognises the critical role the not-for-profit sector plays in delivering services, advising and developing social policy, and advocating on behalf of marginalised groups. A strong relationship between the government and the sector will be crucial to the success of the agenda and related reforms.

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Initial Consultations

The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) consulted widely seeking the initial views of community organisations and users of community services about the value of developing a compact and whether it could improve the lives of Australians. Submission closed on 24 September 2008.

The Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) was also commissioned to consult and canvass initial views and principles with its members and other organisations. ACOSS distributed a discussion paper on the Compact and held a series of public forums across Australia.

Senator Ursula Stephens, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector attended many of these forums and wrote to a range of peak bodies, state and territory governments and not-for-profit organisations seeking their comments.

FaHCSIA is currently reviewing all submissions and comments received as part of the initial phase of consultation.

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Expert Panel

An Expert Panel to advise on the consultation process, reflecting diversity of the sector was established. View the list of members .

The Panel held its first meeting in Melbourne on 16 September 2008. Please view its first Communiqué. The Panel's second meeting was held in Canberra on 5 November 2008. Please view its second Communiqué.

More Information

Up-to-date information on the development of the National Compact will be made available on this website.

If you would like to receive more information or provide comments please send your email to australiancompact@fahcsia.gov.au or by post to: