Been there, done that, still hoping for more

01 June 2009Trust and engagement are the twin pillars of a participation society. In their absence, the ties that bind -- the networks of 'social capital' that underpin civility, respect for others and a collective sense of mutual responsibility -- are loosened.

This essay is driven by a fervent hope -- and by far more cautious optimism -- that Australia can develop as a participatory society. That goal, in its diverse manifestations, being the holy grail of public and social innovation.

Noticeboard

07 March 2012

In May 2011 the Federal Government announced that the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) would commence operations from 1 July 2012 and that it would initially be responsible for determining the legal status of groups seeking charitable, public benevolent institution, and other not-for-profit (NFP) benefits on behalf of all Commonwealth agencies. 

01 March 2012


The Productivity Commission has been asked to report within 9 months on Regulatory Impact Analysis: Benchmarking. The study requires a benchmarking of the efficiency and quality of regulatory impact analysis processes used by the Commonwealth and state and territory governments, as well as those of the Council of Australian Governments.
20 December 2011

On 18 November 2011, Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Senator the Hon Kate Lundy, announced the establishment of an independent panel of eminent community leaders to conduct an inquiry into Australian Government services to ensure they are responsive to the needs of Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.