Centacare

Centacare: Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton recently participated in discussions into the current Productivity Commission Inquiry, alongside QCOSS Sector Development Worker and regional member of the Future’s Forum Sandy Paton.

The Government asked the Productivity Commission to undertake a commissioned study into the contributions of the not-for-profit sector.

In doing so the Commission has been asked to adopt a broad definition of the not-for-profit sector, which will encompass most types of not-for-profit organisations such as Centacare. Thus, the findings may impact many organisations throughout Australia.

The study's focus is on improving the measurement of the sector's contributions, and removing obstacles to maximising its contributions to society.

In undertaking the study, the Commission will:

• assess current and alternative measures of the contribution of the not-for-profit sector and how these can be used to better shape government policy and programs so as to optimise the sectors contribution to society;

• identify unnecessary impediments to the efficient and effective operation of not for profit organisations and measures to enhance their operation;

• consider ways in which the delivery and outcomes from government funded services by not for profit organisations could be improved;

• examine recent changes in the relationships between government, business and community organisations and whether there is scope to enhance these relationships so as to improve outcomes delivered by the not for profit sector; and

• examine the impact of the taxation system on the ability of not for profit organisations to raise funds and the extent to which the tax treatment of the sector affects competitive neutrality.

Pictured from left: Sandy Paton, QCOSS; Noel Preston, Griffith University; Carmel Marshall, Centacare; and Dr Ricki Jeffery, Centacare.