Amplify Alliance welcomes the outcomes of the recent meeting of state and territory Treasurers to progress with a suite of national reforms aimed at strengthening Australia’s economic productivity, reducing barriers to workforce mobility, and improving regulatory efficiency.
The reforms—spanning competition policy, skills, housing, health and infrastructure—will directly influence how Not-for-Profits (NFPs) deliver essential human and social services, recruit workers and plan for the future.
From the range of reforms announced, Amplify Alliance has distilled the most relevant for our Members, and the likely impact these will have.
A More Competitive and Connected National Economy
Reforms to the National Competition Policy aim to create a more unified market across Australia. For NFPs, this means fewer administrative hurdles and more efficient cross-jurisdiction service delivery.
Key impacts for Members:
- Simplified occupational licensing across priority trades, supporting workforce mobility in regional, rural and remote areas.
- Harmonised product standards for goods such as electrical equipment, construction materials and waste/recycling systems—reducing compliance variation and procurement complexity.
- Expanded scope of practice in health, boosting capacity across aged care, disability and community health services.
- Productivity incentives for states and territories that modernise regulatory frameworks.
A More Mobile and Skilled Workforce
Skill shortages continue to challenge NFPs. New national measures aim to increase supply and improve recognition of existing skills.
Key impacts for Members:
- Broader access to Recognised Prior Learning for migrants and domestic learners in high-need industries.
- Integration of occupational licensing within assessment and training pathways.
- Faster, more consistent migrant skills assessments.
Amplify Alliance continues to advocate strongly for equitable funding across all VET providers, including Not-for-Profit RTOs, which remain critical for training in disadvantaged and remote communities.
Accelerating Housing Supply
Housing availability is a frontline issue affecting both communities and the NFP workforce.
Key impacts for Members:
- Transparency on underutilised land and buildings.
- National housing and land-use dashboards.
- Improved infrastructure charging models.
- Greater uptake of Modern Methods of Construction.
These measures aim to reduce bottlenecks, speed up approvals and increase access to safe, affordable housing.
Better Regulation and Faster Approvals
Reforms to the Environmental Protection and Biosecurity Act aim to improve certainty and timeliness without compromising environmental safeguards.
Key impacts for Members:
- Faster approvals for major housing, energy and regional development projects.
- Stronger Commonwealth and state coordination through bilateral agreements.
- Streamlined approvals for data centres, supporting the digital infrastructure NFPs depend on.
Health, Disability
Amplify Alliance supports:
- Ongoing work to ensure sustainable, community-responsive health and NDIS reforms.
- A simple, staged approach to road user charging to support NFPs transitioning to electric vehicles.
Amplify Alliance’s Commitment to a Productive, Inclusive and Fair Economy
Amplify Alliance recognises that a more productive national economy is essential to improving living standards and ensuring the long-term sustainability of essential community services.
The Not For Profit sector plays a productive role in enabling the economic and social reforms outlined. We stand ready to work in partnership with federal and state and our members to ensure that the benefits of these reforms reach the individuals, families and communities we collectively serve.
Access Support & Guidance
For questions or concerns about these reforms, our Advocacy & Representation Team are available to chat further. Please reach out via info@amplifyalliance.org.au.
Amplify Alliance represents the largest network of Not For Profit organisations delivering and supporting human and social services in Australia. Our work is centred on the key determinants of wellbeing: Jobs, Home, Learning, Health, Social Connection and Social Justice.
