The Weekly
Marc Purcell, what is at the top of your mind this week?
This week, we commemorated World Humanitarian Day and raised awareness of the 452 humanitarian workers who have lost their lives since the beginning of 2023. CEOs and staff gathered outside Parliament House, and Senator Tim Ayers spoke on behalf of the government in front of a visual display highlighting the casualties.
Over sixty sector leaders signed a statement calling on the government to take action to uphold the protection of humanitarian workers. You can find our media release here.
We also celebrated the successful launch of the new ACFID Code of Conduct, a milestone that will enhance our collective impact on climate action, racial justice, and supporting local leadership across 85 countries. Speaking to the launch of the revised Code, Sue Woodward AM, Commissioner of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, said, “The work that these charities do is crucial, empowering people and communities around the world. It is critical that rigorous governance underpins that work. Aligning the ACFID Code of Conduct with the ACNC Governance Standards and External Conduct Standards provides a strong foundation for an accountable and transparent sector. The new ACFID Code of Conduct will help to support a well-regulated, ethical, and efficient charity sector working overseas.”
ACFID’s Independent Chair of the Code of Conduct Committee, Alan Cameron AO, said:
“The revised Code of Conduct is an important moment in strengthening the commitment of ACFID’s members to transparent, accountable, and effective practice.”
Read our media release here. For those who couldn’t attend, the New Code Video is now available on ACFID’s YouTube channel, offering a glimpse into this significant step forward for the sector.
To Action
Early Birds Close at midnight tonight!
Don’t miss out—early bird tickets for our Annual National Conference close tonight! Register here to join us as we explore the meaning of solidarity and resilience in our sector and the collective actions needed to promote sustainable development and uphold human rights globally.
To Action
Keynote Speaker Announcement: Arthur Larok to Address ACFID Annual Conference
ACFID is pleased to announce that Arthur Larok, Secretary General of ActionAid International and a prominent advocate for social justice and gender equality, will be delivering a keynote address at our Annual Conference in Sydney. With 20 years of experience in development and social change, Arthur has been involved in global campaigns against poverty and civic rights. His extensive knowledge of social movements will provide valuable insights on the theme of “Solidarity and Resilience.” Join us on October 23-24, 2024, to hear from global leaders.
Read the ACFID announcement here.
To Action
ACFID Award Nominations
Do you know someone who is worthy of recognition for contribution to the Australian Aid and Development Sector? Do you want to celebrate their accomplishments at our National Conference?
ACFID is now seeking nominations for our three ACFID Awards: the ACFID Sir Ron Wilson Human Rights Award, the ACFID Outstanding Contribution to the Sector Award, and the ACFID Media Award.
Read more and nominate here
To Attend
Online training – compliance with Commonwealth electoral law
The Stronger Charities Alliance is hosting online training on compliance with Commonwealth electoral laws.
With the prospect of an early election in December, many not-for-profit groups are developing their plans to do issue-based advocacy through the election.
Elections are a critical time for charities and not-for-profits to engage in advocacy, and yet the compliance requirements can seem daunting. Join this online training to demystify our electoral laws so you can do essential advocacy this coming election.
Who: Stronger Charities Alliance
When: Wednesday 4 September
Time: 11:00am – 12:30pm (AEST)
Where: Online – register here.
The training will be recorded and circulated to everyone who registers.
This 90 minute training will cover the following topics, with time for Q&A:
– a simple framework for determining whether your advocacy is likely to be electoral in nature
– the definition of electoral matter and the dominant purpose test
– authorisation requirements
– disclosure obligations
– how to properly document your activities
The training will be led by Kiera Peacock. Kiera is a Partner at Marque Lawyers who has deep expertise in public and administrative law, particularly electoral law. Kiera ran the Court of Disputed Returns case after the 2019 federal election that clarified the law on misleading electoral advertising, and has acted for a wide range of not-for-profit and advocacy groups.
To Note
World Humanitarian Day
Thank you to all who participated in the vigil and panel discussions to commemorate World Humanitarian Day. You can find our media release here.
To Action
Reminder: Safer World for All election campaign
This is a reminder that all CEOs received the below link for filling out their agency’s commitments for the Safer World for All campaign election digital action. This includes indicating whether your agency can email supporters, engage influencers and/or host electoral forums.
The link is here. Please be in touch with Naomi at [email protected] with any questions.
To Attend
ACFID Member Visits – Melbourne workshops registration open
ACFID’s Policy & Advocacy team will be visiting Melbourne from the 27th – 29th August. Melbourne-based members can fill in this registration form to indicate the policy and advocacy workshops they would like to attend and to request individual meetings with members of our team. The schedule for the visit is below, with locations and agendas for each workshop to come.
Tuesday 27 August
1-4 PM – Glitter, sequins, no holds barred – The ACFID Policy Précis of 2024 – an introduction to the team, and our policy and advocacy work in 2024, as well as planning ahead for the Federal Election and beyond.
Wednesday 28 August
10-11.30 AM – Climate policy and advocacy workshop
1-2.30 PM – Media and comms workshop
3-4.30 PM – Government relations workshop
Thursday 29 August
Meetings with individual members and teams based on portfolio/subject areas.
To Attend
ACFID Member Visits – Sydney
ACFID’s Policy & Advocacy team will be visiting Sydney from the 1st – 3rd October. Sydney-based members can fill in this registration form to indicate which workshops you would like to attend, and to request individual meetings with members of our team. The schedule for Sydney mirrors that for Melbourne, as below.
Tuesday 1 October
1-4 PM – Glitter, sequins, no holds barred – The ACFID Policy Précis of 2024 – an introduction to the team and our policy and advocacy work in 2024, as well as planning ahead for the Federal Election and beyond.
Drinks – Location TBC
Wednesday 2 October
10-11.30 AM – Climate policy and advocacy workshop
1-2.30 PM – Media and comms workshop
3-4.30 PM – Government relations workshop
Thursday 3 October
Meetings with individual members and teams based on portfolio/subject areas.
To Attend
ACFID/ Many Coloured Sky/ Australian Parliamentary Group on Population and Development – Launch of We Are the Rainbow Framework
When: Monday 9 September – 9.30AM – 10.30AM
Where: Committee Room 2S2, Australian Parliament House, ACT
Please register here.
We will be using the RSVPs received through this form to submit a group pass application at Parliament for folks who don’t already have passes. Please ensure you indicate whether you already have a pass or not.
Please join us as we join forces with Many Coloured Sky and the Parliamentary Group on Population and Development to launch the new We Are the Rainbow Framework. The We Are the Rainbow Framework supports LGBTQIA+ organisations to work with LGBTQIA+ children and youth in ways that protect their rights as children and as LGBTQIA+ people. The Framework has been developed via consultation with LGBTQIA+ peaks across the Asia Pacific region, international child protection agencies, and development organisations.
The launch of the Framework comes at a crucial time, as the Asia Pacific region suffers from a shrinking of civil space with legal regress
ACFID member media contact
Do you work in a media team or want to collaborate with ACFID more on media? We updating our media database and developing a Media Group with members. If you would like to join or be added as a media contact please email our Senior Media and Policy Advisor, Lisa Tadrosse on [email protected]
To Note
Call Out: ACFID Annual Report Member Images
ACFID is currently compiling our annual report, highlighting the impactful work of our members in aid and development. We’re seeking high-resolution images showcasing efforts in climate change, locally led development, and humanitarian assistance. We’ll credit your organization and photographer, with captions up to 80 words. The images may appear on our website, social media, and publications for government, policymakers, DFAT, civil society, and others.
Submit by COB August 30 to Maria Herrera at [email protected].
To Action
ACFID member media contact
Do you work in a media team or want to collaborate with ACFID more on media? We updating our media database and developing a Media Group with members. If you would like to join or be added as a media contact please email our Senior Media and Policy Advisor, Lisa Tadrosse on [email protected]
To Action
Call Out: ACFID Annual Report Member Images
ACFID is currently compiling our annual report, highlighting the impactful work of our members in aid and development. We’re seeking high-resolution images showcasing efforts in climate change, locally led development, and humanitarian assistance. We’ll credit your organization and photographer, with captions up to 80 words. The images may appear on our website, social media, and publications for government, policymakers, DFAT, civil society, and others.
Submit by COB August 30 to Maria Herrera at [email protected].
To Action
ACFID is on Instagram: follow us!
ACFID is now present on Instagram. Follow us at @ACFID.AUS to stay updated on our latest news, projects and events.
To Action
Featured Jobs
Consultant – Environmental Scan | Family Planning Australia
Read more and apply here
Upcoming Events:
|
Date |
Event |
|
27 & 29 August |
ACFID Member Visits – Melbourne |
|
29 August |
|
|
09 September |
Many Coloured Sky |
|
01-03 October |
ACFID Member Visits – Melbourne |
|
23-24 October |
|
| 29 August | AP4D Webinar: Pacific Regionalism |
| 23-24 October | ACFID Conference 2024 Save the date |