Social Traders Respond to Productivity Commission Draft Report

 David Brookes, the Managing Director of Social Traders says establishing an Office for Not for Profit Sector Engagement within the Prime Minister’s portfolio as proposed by the Commission would provide dedicated resources that can work through a number of the commission’s recommendations, if accepted.

However, Brookes says in response that this proposed office should be tasked with developing and establishing a strategic framework for the sector that clearly articulates the priorities over the medium to long term: involves the key stakeholders from all sectors, and sets down a timeframe on outcomes.

The joint submission proposes that a Social Enterprise Action Plan is developed by the new Office for Not for Profit Engagement as part of its work with the NFP Sector.

The submission says it sees the Social Enterprise Sector as a component part of the broader NFP Sector here in Australia, similar to the UK where social enterprises are part of the Social Economy.

Brookes says a number of the Commission’s recommendations can assist the Not for Profit Sector make an even bigger impact on the economy and we believe this can only help the growth of social enterprises.

He says a Social Enterprise Action Plan can help everyone involved with the sector to identify and address critical needs.

The submission suggests a number of priority areas including how enterprises can access capital investment, what start-up support should be in place for individuals and communities coming up with good ideas, and what sort of measurement framework should be establishing to capture social enterprises’ broader community benefit. Bringing the resources, skills and expertise together from the public, private and community sectors is the best way forward for social enterprise development in Australia.

The joint submission was made on behalf of Jobs Australia, Social Ventures Australia (SVA), Social Firms Australia, School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE), Wise Employment, National Employment Services Association (NESA) and Adult Multicultural Education Service (AMES).

The Social Trader’s response to the Productivity Commission’s draft report can be accessed at www.socialtraders.com.au