Andrew Leigh

LABOR WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY SECTOR

Today, I was pleased to bring together around 100 community leaders in Parliament House to discuss innovative ideas to strengthen community life.

Over recent generations, Australia has become more disconnected. We are less likely to join mass membership organisations, to attend church, to volunteer, or to be part of a union.

Government plays a role in strengthening civic life, which is why Labor fought hard to keep the Coalition from abolishing the Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission. 

It's also why Bill Shorten announced after the last election that we would have a shadow minister for charities and not-for-profits, the first time that either major party had created such a portfolio.

But many of the best ideas for promoting community will come from the sector itself.

Today's event brought together volunteers from the social sector, religious organisations, educational bodies, and ethnic community organisations. Working in small groups, participants shared their ideas for making civic organisations work better.

Over the coming months, Labor will look to hold similar groups in other Australian cities. By drawing on the wisdom, energy and ideas of our community leaders, we can work to reverse the decline in social capital, and build a stronger civic culture.

WEDNESDAY, 22 FEBRUARY 2017