The Not-for-Profit Sector is a major national contributor to Australia’s cohesion, prosperity and wellbeing. Charities are frontline responders when we experience crises and disasters. In everyday life, they help people in communities stay connected to each other, including those experiencing isolation, loneliness or trauma. Charities are a trusted and genuine voice in national debates to improve public policy. Given Australia’s current levels of hardship, and people’s uncertainty about their future, this sector is more important than at any time in recent memory.

The National Not-For-Profit Blueprint is the culmination of two years' work and was officially handed to government on 27 November. It sets out a 10-year vision for a thriving sector supporting a healthy civil society. Whilst it was an election commitment from the Federal Government prior to the last election, the Blueprint is an independent, non-partisan and sector-led reform roadmap. The Blueprint sets out recommendations to strengthen the sector, improve its operational environment, and ensure it is ready to meet future challenges.

Join this instalment of the ACOSS Policy Webinar Series to gain valuable insights about the Blueprint as Program Director Rob Sturrock engages in conversation with Expert Advisor to the Blueprint, Professor Jo Barraket AM (Director of the Melbourne Social Equity Institute at the University of Melbourne), with commentary from ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie.

Speakers will explore:

· The current context within which charities operate,

· what the Blueprint seeks to achieve and when,

· how it will benefit the sector, and

· next steps for making the Blueprint a reality

As always, attendees will have the opportunity to pose questions directly to speakers.

Click here to read Joint Statement from the Blueprint Expert Reference Group