Message from the Roundtable’s Chairs

David Thompson AM, Chair of the Board

The National Roundtable of Nonprofit Organisations is the first attempt in Australia to bring together the broad nonprofit sector in all its diversity and richness. Similar bodies exist in the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom and, increasingly, are being formed in Asia and Africa.

The National Roundtable of Nonprofit Organisations is a critical piece of infrastructure for the nonprofit sector. It provides an opportunity to bring together the broadest representation of this sector, sharing insights and knowledge about the remarkable work that the sector does. Every day, Australians come in touch with a nonprofit organisation, whether it is through sport or recreation, educational, health or children’s programs, cultural or spiritual activity or a benevolent or professional association.

Our nonprofit organisations are equal to the best in the world, with practices that are rigourous, transparent, accountable, successful and innovative. Yet the general public, the business community and some parts of government often are unaware of the substantial contribution that nonprofit organisations make to the Australian community and its economy. The Roundtable aims to change this perception, encouraging and facilitating public debate about the sector, its accountability, regulation, economic contribution and effectiveness.