Rebuilding trust will fail if government cannot hear the NFP sector
Written by Debra Cerasa (CEO, Amplify Alliance Australia) Watching Assistant Minister for Charities, The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP, deliver his address at the National Press Club on “Rebuilding trust: the future of Australia’s charities and community life”, I was struck by how reassuring it was to hear a serving minister speak so clearly about […]
Fair Wage Rise Must Be Matched by Fair Funding, Peak Body Warns
Amplify Alliance Australia has welcomed the Fair Work Commission’s decision to increase minimum and award wages from 1 July 2026, while warning that community service organisations cannot continue absorbing rising workforce costs without corresponding government funding increases. Representing a national network of Not for Profit organisations delivering human and social services, Amplify Alliance says the […]
Fair Work Commission hands down 2026 Annual Wage Review decision
The Fair Work Commission has handed down its 2026 Annual Wage Review decision, confirming a 4.75% increase to Modern Award minimum wage rates from 1 July 2026. Key announcements The National Minimum Wage will increase to $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) The lowest ongoing classification in any Modern Award must be at least $1,004.90 […]
Redesigning Employment Services Around Participation, Dignity and Community
Australia’s employment services system needs reform.
NDIS Reform: A Defining Moment to Get This Right
Written by Debra Cerasa (CEO, Amplify Alliance Australia) The recent announcements from Minister Mark Butler on the future of the NDIS have sharpened the national conversation—and rightly so. This is one of those moments where policy decisions will not just shape systems but directly shape people’s lives. And for those of us working alongside people […]
Australia Doesn’t Have a Skills Shortage. It Has a Skills Recognition Problem.
Written by Debra Cerasa (CEO, Amplify Alliance Australia) Across the country, more than 250,000 skilled migrants are working below their qualification level. Nurses are working outside clinical roles. Teachers are retraining for jobs they are already qualified to do. Engineers are driving rideshare vehicles. And experienced tradespeople are navigating complex, costly accreditation systems with no […]
Racism in Plain Sight: A Call for Action Across Our Systems and Workplaces
Written by Debra Cerasa (CEO, Amplify Alliance Australia) Today is one of those days that reminds me, very personally and deeply, why this work matters. The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is not just a date on the calendar, it is a mirror we hold up to ourselves, our systems and our […]
Member Spotlight: Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation
For decades, Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation has helped young people build confidence, capability and connection through the transformative power of adventure-based sail training.
Member Spotlight: Winun Ngari Aboriginal Corporation
Delivering social enterprise and business development, employment and training, health and wellbeing, and governance and administrative support to remote Aboriginal communities.
National Cabinet announces an intention to lower the NDIS growth cap longer term
National Cabinet has agreed on new steps to reshape the NDIS and disability supports, including a long-term target to reduce NDIS growth to 5–6%, down from the previously agreed 8% cap.