“When we allow our human services to be commodified, we invariably risk what is most important to our communities,” writes David Crosbie for the Community Advocate.

‘In our changing climate, strengthening community connectedness, awareness, preparedness, and capacity to respond to disasters is clearly one of the most critical, unrecognised and unfunded roles charities and not-for-profits now play in Australia,’ writes CCA CEO David Crosbie for the Community Advocate.

‘Policy work in charities is not always valued, but if we are to make sustainable changes in people’s lives, the economic, regulatory and political structures that drive both good and bad practice need to be addressed. When we think about charities and not-for-profits in Australia and the role they play, we should never underestimate the importance of the leaders in our sector who call out and stand up to inappropriate and exploitative practices. The buffer they bravely provide against much more powerful vested interests is a critical component in preserving our democracy and enabling us to achieve the kind of Australia we would like to live in,’ writes CCA CEO David Crosbie for the Community Advocate.

‘We can all enjoy our tech but still insist on guardrails and limits around companies and what they promote and profit from.’ As charities and community groups, we have a critical role to play in shaping what a changed world looks like, writes CCA CEO David Crosbie for the Community Advocate.