Responding to the speech by Senator Ursula Stephens at the ACOSS National Conference in Melbourne today, ACOSS warmly welcomes the announcement that the Federal Government will work with ACOSS to develop new guidelines and principles to guide the relationship between the Federal Government and the not-for-profit sector.

ACOSS believes the new compact is a significant opportunity to develop a collaborative approach to finding the right solutions to poverty and disadvantage in Australia. Similar compacts operate in the UK and Canada and underpin the relationship between the community sector and the Government.

ACOSS President Lin Hatfield Dodds said:
“The compact is an opportunity to express common values and approaches. These will assist the not-for-profit sector in its relations with the Government, particularly in tendering and contracts.”

ACOSS Executive Director Andrew Johnson said:
“ACOSS looks forward to working with Senator Stephens in the development of the new compact. Today’s announcement signals a willingness to find common values and cooperate in developing policies which will assist the more than 1 in 10 Australians living in poverty.”

Leaders in the community sector, government, academics and business have come together at the ACOSS National Conference in Melbourne to discuss the best policies and practices related to the Social Inclusion Agenda.

The title of the ACOSS National Conference is Taking steps for a fair go for all – social inclusion polices and practices. National Conference was opened by the Premier of Victoria, the Hon. John Brumby. Acting Prime Minister, the Hon. Julia Gillard, will address Conference tomorrow (Thursday).