Research and Policy

 CCA supports Manifesto for the NFP Sector produced 5 August 2010 by Pro Bono Australia and the Centre for Social Impact - see attachment below

Key Areas of Policy Focus

Be relevant by taking a leadership position in researching and responding to:

• Taxation environment ;

• Reform environment - the outputs from the Productivity Commission and the impact on the NFP sector;
• National and State government agendas - the COAG agenda, including in particular regulatory reform impacting on or relevant to the NFP sector or parts of the NFP sector;

Additionally take a leadership position on:

1. Education of the Australian public about the not-for-profit sector
2. Education of the not-for-profit sector about itself
3. Broad Policy and Regulatory Reform
4. Financial sustainability of NFPs serving communities and society

Specifically focus on actions or outcomes designed to position the organisation to:

• Deal with legislation specifically introduced that is detrimental to the NFP sector
• Respond to government regulation and legislation as it impacts on the NFP sector
• Be an active supporter of attempts to reform relationships between all stakeholders including different levels of Government and including the COAG reform agenda
• Continue to argue for sensible tax structures for the NFP sector
• Remove structural disincentives to the NFP sector
• Provide additional support for programs and capability-building
• Support establishment of and dialogue with an Office of the Community Sector Engagement and a National registrar of not-for-profit organisations
• Broaden research and analysis of the NFP sector to consider wider community, economic and social impacts

Evidence-driven means CCA will:

1. Develop well researched and evidence-based policy and positions on key issues affecting the NFP community;
2. Be the hub for information and issues for NFPs and collectively develop policies, position papers and reports benefiting members and the NFP communities they serve
3. Use our resources and the strength of the member network to provide policy services and representation consistent with the changing circumstances of NFPs, large and small.

Outcomes driven means CCA will:

1. Be proactive in identifying and responding to emerging issues affecting members and the NFP communities in which they operate
2. Respond efficiently and effectively to regulation, legislation, environmental and sectoral reform as it impacts on members, their needs and their organisations
3. Adopt internal processes and build capacities that are supportive of the delivery of these objectives.