The nation’s largest charity consultation reached Darwin today, as the Albanese Government meets with charities across the country to discuss how to rebuild their role in communities.
Over the past generation, Australia’s community bonds have frayed as people have become less likely to join, volunteer and participate in community activities.
And for nearly a decade, the previous government downplayed and discouraged the expertise of charities and non‑profit organisations, and our communities have paid the price.
Today’s Darwin Community Building Forum highlighted that Northern Territory charities are vital for vulnerable Australians and rebuilding community connections.
They deliver critical legal support, health support, and support conservation, land care, and closing the gap.
The forum also highlighted that Northern Territory charities are resilient and innovative, having found new ways to engage supporters and volunteers.
But ten years of neglect have left Northern Territory charities struggling to keep up with modern skills needs, new technologies, and complex regulations.
For nearly a decade, the government has downplayed and discouraged the expertise of charities and non-profit organisations, and our communities have paid the price.
Charities deserve support and recognition, so they can continue supporting others.
The Albanese Government is committed to being a true partner to charities, and has pledged to fix fundraising laws, double philanthropy by 2030, and support charitable advocacy.
Underpinning these commitments is our commitment to develop a national blueprint for a stronger charity sector.
This blueprint will capitalise on the strengths and the experiences of charities around the country to chart a path to a better-connected Australia.
The Darwin Building Community forum concludes our first phase of consultations to develop a national charities blueprint, which have now reached every state and territory capital.
Quotes attributable to Andrew Leigh, Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury:
"The past few decades have seen a serious decline in people engaging with their local communities, and the Liberals’ war on charities only made the problem worse."
"In the new Australian Government, charities have a true partner.
“Labor respects the role of charities and wants to empower them to help the community.
“We will continue to work collaboratively with charities to reconnect Australia."
"The war on charities ended with the election of the Albanese Government. Now it’s time to rebuild."
Quotes attributable to Luke Gosling OAM, Member for Solomon:
“Territorians are really proud of our volunteer culture, and that has meant we punch well above our weight when it comes to supporting and giving back to our community.
“However, Territory not-for-profits face the same decline in fundraising and membership as other jurisdictions, so it was great to meet with the sector to talk about some of the reasons for that and what can be done to turn it around.
“I’m proud I’ve been able to secure funding in election commitments to support the work of not-for-profits such as veterans’ groups, scouts, fishing, and environmental groups.
“A connected community is a stronger, happier, more resilient community, and that’s what we want to continue to foster in the Territory.”
