PM’s Community Business Partnership Reborn
21 October 2014 at 10:40 am
The Federal Government has re-established the Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnership announcing the line-up of community and business leaders enlisted to advise on giving trends and promote best practice in the sector.
The membership includes current and retired Federal Ministers, business executives and Not for Profit leaders.
The 14 members (with PM Tony Abbott as chair) include the Minister for Social Services, Kevin Andrews (deputy chair), Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Josh Frydenberg, retired financial planner Kevin Bailey, Director for Corporate Affairs and Company Secretary of the Coopers Brewery Melanie Cooper, former Leader of the National Party Tim Fischer AC, cofounder and CEO of the Minderoo Foundation Nicola Forrest, CEO of Social Enterprise Finance Australia Ben Gales, CEO of the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal Alexandra Gartmann, founding Director of DonorInform Limited Dr Gary Johns, health care industry leader Colleen McGann, Barrister Angela Perry, Chairman of Perpetual Limited Peter Scott and CEO of Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Foundation Peter Treseder AM.
Kevin Andrews said the Partnership would bring together Government, community and business leaders to develop practical strategies to foster a culture of philanthropic giving and volunteering in Australia.
“The Australian Government has provided $5.98 million over four years to re-establish the Partnership,” Andrews said.
“A key component of the Partnership’s work will be examining trends and promoting best practice in the sector.
“It will consider how innovative investment and financing can better support a culture of giving and volunteering in Australia.
“The Partnership will investigate incentives and barriers to philanthropic giving, so that companies, trusts and foundations are not burdened by unnecessary obstacles or red tape as they try to achieve their objectives.
“The members bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in the areas of philanthropy, business, charity work, social enterprise and regulatory structures.
“By working together, we can harness the skills and resources of businesses, community organisations and individuals, to help solve complex problems and strengthen the social fabric of our communities.”
The former Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnership was established in 1999 and operated to 2007 under the Howard Government. The Partnership included a group of prominent business and community leaders appointed by PM John Howard, to advise the Government on community business collaboration, philanthropy and corporate social responsibility.
Philanthropy Australia has welcomed the re-establishment of the Partnership.
“It’s an exciting time for philanthropy in Australia, with more attention being focused on why giving is good and how we can inspire more giving. That’s why it’s a great time to be re-establishing the Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnership,” Philanthropy Australia CEO Louise Walsh said.
“We’re particularly pleased to see Philanthropy Australia Members appointed such as Alexandra Gartmann from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, Kevin Bailey, and Nicola Forrest of the Minderoo Foundation.
“The original Community Business Partnership established by former Prime Minister John Howard was a big success, and was responsible for the introduction of some of the most significant reforms designed to grow philanthropy in Australia.
“These included the introduction of what are now known as Private Ancillary Funds (PAFs), a tax effective vehicle for structured giving by high net worth individuals and families, and pre-tax workplace giving.
“To take giving to another level in Australia we need a new agenda for growth and innovation. The Community Business Partnership is in a position to make this happen, and it’s important that a clear focus on delivering tangible outcomes is adopted from the outset.
“As the peak body for philanthropy in Australia, we look forward to engaging with our Members and working with the Government, the members of the Partnership and other stakeholders to deliver the positive outcomes we need to further develop the culture of giving in Australia.”
Details about the Partnership members can be found HERE.
