From little things, big things grow

Posted on 19 Nov 2024

By Greg Thom, journalist, Institute of Community Directors Australia

Influence Advocacy Shaping Policy with Purpose panel — Charities Minister Dr Andrew Leigh (left) with fellow *Influence & Advocacy: Shaping Policy with Purpose* panel members Saffron Zomer, executive director of the Australian Democracy Network, First Nations justice director at Australian Progress, Amelia Telford and CEO of the Paul Ramsay Foundation, Professor Kristy Muir.

Charities Minister Andrew Leigh has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to charitable advocacy.

In a recent keynote speech at an event organised by the Paul Ramsay Foundation, Dr Leigh cited three emotive examples from recent Australian history he said were stories of social change driven by the activist power of communities, philanthropy and charities:

the struggle for Aboriginal land rights
decriminalisation of homosexuality
the creation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

“These stories remind us that big change sometimes begins with people power,” Dr Leigh told his audience at the Influence & Advocacy: Shaping Policy with Purpose event.

“It can begin with the work of charities, community groups, and philanthropists. I want to acknowledge the work that each of you do in identifying those issues for the future.”

Despite the momentous outcomes sparked by early activist efforts in the examples he brought to life, Dr Leigh acknowledged however there was still work to be done.

“One of the challenges for philanthropy isn’t just to solve the traditional problems, but to identify fresh problems.”

“You don’t truly support charitable advocacy if you only do so when charity advocates agree with you. You have to support charitable advocacy as a principle."

Dr Leigh said governments must ensure they adopted a without fear or favour approach to charitable advocacy, even if that meant it was ideologically uncomfortable for the party in power.

“As a member of the government, let me make clear that the work that charities do, advocating for better policies, is something that is warmly welcomed,” he said.

“It’s warmly welcomed when it aligns with us ideologically. It is welcomed too when it differs with us.

“You don’t truly support charitable advocacy if you only do so when charity advocates agree with you. You have to support charitable advocacy as a principle. As a government, we do.”

Following his opening address, Dr Leigh was joined on stage for a panel discussion by executive director of the Australian Democracy Network, Saffron Zomer, First Nations justice director at Australian Progress, Amelia Telford and CEO of the Paul Ramsay Foundation, Professor Kristy Muir on the importance of promoting, protecting, and funding public interest advocacy.

Listen to Dr Leigh's speech and the full panel discussion here