The St Vincent de Paul Society of Australia has welcomed today’s commitment by the Australian Labor Party to establish a national blueprint for the not-for-profit sector.

St Vincent de Paul Society National President Claire Victory said the announcement recognises the critical role charities play in supporting the most vulnerable in our community.

‘Vinnies has stood with Australians in need for almost 170 years, providing emergency relief, housing and other support services,’ Ms Victory said.

‘Today’s announcement recognises the essential role that charities play in supporting Australians in need and our significant contribution to the broader economy.

‘While further details are needed, we welcome Labor’s commitment to create a national blueprint for the not-for-profit sector through the establishment of an expert reference panel and consultation with stakeholders across government, business and the community.

‘The best outcomes, as always, are achieved when governments partner with the not-for- profit sector to co-design policies and programs that align with the most urgent needs of the community and make the best use of charities’ resources,’ Ms Victory said.

Ms Victory called on all parties and candidates to match today’s announcement and to put support for Australia’s most vulnerable at the heart of their election commitments.

‘The most vulnerable people in our community have largely been forgotten, or ignored, during this election,’ Ms Victory said.

‘This neglect was demonstrated by last week’s cruel and unnecessary decision by both major parties not to lift JobSeeker, which will relegate millions of Australians to live in poverty for years to come,’ Ms Victory said.

The St Vincent de Paul Society is calling on parties and candidates at the Federal Election to address widening inequality and lift Australia’s most vulnerable out of poverty.

‘We have put forward a suite of compassionate, practical and affordable policies that we hope will start a conversation about how a fairer Australia can be achieved,’ Ms Victory said.

The St Vincent de Paul Society’s Federal Election Statement is available here.

Charities commitment good news for Australians in need