CSSA Directors' Forums

2011 NATIONAL DIRECTORS’ FORUM, 11-12 OCTOBER CANBERRA

• An overview of our 2011 National Directors Forum including speaker presentations is available on our members website
  

2009 NATIONAL DIRECTORS’ FORUM, PARLIAMENT HOUSE, CANBERRA
MONDAY 26 OCTOBER 2009

Catholic Social Services Australia hosted the inaugural Directors' Day for Directors and/or their delegates at Parliament House in Canberra on 26 October. Twenty five representatives from our agencies attended the AGM and the forum.  Dennis Trewin, Associate Commissioner from the Productivity Commission spent an hour in discussion with delegates as part of a brief on the release of the Commission's draft report on the inquiry into the contribution of the not for profit sector.  A copy of the powerpoint which formed the basis of Dennis's presentation is available here.  Submissions are due 24 November ahead of the release of the final report at the end of January 2010.

Senator Ursula Stephens, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector gave an update on the progress of the National Compact which will be presented to the Cabinet in December.

Jenny Macklin, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs was unable to attend due to ill health, but FaHCSIA ag Deputy Secretary Barry Sanderson, and Jenny Macklin’s adviser, Abbey Clark fielded questions from delegates on the future of family services in Australia in light of proposed policy and structural changes.

Joe Zabar from UnitingCare Australia briefed delegates on FBT issues arising from the Productivity Commission’s report and in anticipation of changes that might arise from the Henry Tax review.

Frank Quinlan, Executive Director of Catholic Social Services Australia presented delegates with the Strategic Plan for 2009-12 and provided an overview of strategic issues facing the sector.  The Annual Report was presented at the AGM, which preceded the Directors’ Forum.

A pleasant conclusion to the day as guests attended the farewell reception for Phil Murray, Director of Vocational Services, a position he has held for ten years.  The gathering also heralded the end of Phil’s 40-year career in vocational services.

The date of the next Directors’ Day to be held at Parliament House in Canberra will be confirmed shortly.