2014-15 Federal Budget overview – what’s in store for the NFP sector?

The government has allocated $6 million over four years to re-establish Community Business Partnership which will see collaborations between the government, community and business leaders to develop the philanthropic sector. Full details of the Community Business Partnership’s role have yet to be released.

“The investment of $6 million in establishing the Community Business Partnership to promote a culture of giving and volunteering in Australia is aimed at enhancing Australia’s full potential for philanthropy and reduce unnecessary regulation,” says Social Services Minister Kevin Andrews.

Australia’s peak body for philanthropy, Philanthropy Australia has welcomed this announcement.

“This is a demonstration that the government is serious about ensuring that the Community Business Partnership is well resourced to deliver tangible outcomes that will grow giving and increase its impact in our community,” says Philanthropy Australia CEO Louise Walsh.

Minister Andrews has also confirmed that The Government will deliver on its commitment to abolish the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.

The community sector will be provided with five-year funding agreements totalling $1.5 billion. These will be offered to the service providers delivering Communities for Children Facilitating Partner Services, Family and Relationship Services and Family Law Services. “The agreement beginning on July 2014 will aid in the reduction of staff turnover, ensure better service delivery, and enable longer-term agreements for these services,” says Minister Andrews.

The 18 current grant programmes will be consolidated into seven grant programmes:

• Families and Communities
• Disability, Mental Health and Carers
• Housing and Homelessness
• Home Support
• Residential and Flexible Care
• Workforce and Quality
• Ageing and Service Improvement.

View full details on the grant programmes here.

The allocation of $3 million to fund the Abbott Government’s Young Carer Bursary Programme will provide support to young carers who look after people with disability physical, mental health issues, or older people in need of care.

“The Abbott Government is honouring its election commitment to set up the Young Carer Bursary Programme, deliver the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and establish the Disability and Carers Industry Advisory Council,” says Minister Andrews.

The Young Carer Bursary Programme will commence in January 2015 and will help reduce the financial burden through around 150 bursaries annually that will allow them to continue their studies.

Sarah Harding

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