About the National Compact
The National Compact: working together is a high-level, aspiration-based agreement setting out how government and the sector want to work together in new and better ways to improve the lives of Australians. The National Compact articulates the shared values and principles of the Government and the not-for-profit sector and outlines eight priorities for action:
- Document and promote the value and contribution of the not-for-profit sector.
- Protect the not-for-profit sector’s right to advocacy irrespective of any funding relationship that might exist.
- Recognise not-for-profit sector diversity in consultation processes and sector development initiatives.
- Improve information sharing, including greater access to publicly-funded research and data.
- Reduce red tape and streamline reporting.
- Simplify and improve consistency of financial arrangements including across state and federal jurisdictions.
- Act to improve paid and unpaid workforce issues.
- Improve funding and procurement processes.
The implementation of the National Compact is an important part of the Social Inclusion Agenda which is a whole-of-government approach to providing opportunities for all Australians to participate in the life of the nation.
All Australian Government departments are committed to the Compact’s shared vision, purpose and principles. Not-for-profit organisations can sign up to the Compact on a voluntary basis. Signing up to the National Compact demonstrates a willingness and commitment to have a stronger, more collaborative relationship between Government and the not-for-profit sector.
The National Compact between the Australian Government and the not-for-profit sector was launched on 17 March 2010, following almost two years of extensive consultation. The Office for the Not-For-Profit Sector, within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, has oversight of the National Compact.