BURNEY, MCALLISTER, LEIGH & TEMPLEMAN MEDIA RELEASE - RESTORING RESPECT FOR THE COMMUNITY SECTOR - TUESDAY, 15 MARCH 2022

2.54pm | March 15, 2022

LINDA BURNEY MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR FAMILIES AND SOCIAL SERVICES
SHADOW MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS
MEMBER FOR BARTON

SENATOR JENNY MCALLISTER 
 SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMMUNITIES 
 AND THE PREVENTION OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 
 LABOR SENATOR FOR NEW SOUTH WALES

ANDREW LEIGH MP
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR TREASURY
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR CHARITIES
MEMBER FOR FENNER

SUSAN TEMPLEMAN MP
MEMBER FOR MACQUARIE


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.