Friday 2 June 2023

Australia playing a global role as a humanitarian responder is a vital contribution to upholding a rules based order. It takes leadership and a common sense of humanity to look beyond our backyard and help the international effort to prevent famine. Read the article here.

I’d like to pay tribute to the efforts and collaboration of the  people leading the ACFID Public Engagement Campaign Committee and Micah Challenge. Through PECC members’ campaigning, closely linked with Micah Challenge and the ACFID Policy and Advocacy Team, we have had considerable success. The Help Fight Famine campaign has successfully raised 69 million dollars from the Federal government, announced in three tranches over 9 months.

The campaign is funded by members who voluntarily contribute fees into a common fighting fund, and offer staff time voluntarily create collaboration. Members collectively contribute a total of around 150k per year to campaign together. This is spent on advertising and campaign costs. The return on member’s investment, with a total of $69 million in government announcements, looks to be effective and very good value for money. If you would like your agency to join the next phase of sector campaigning – and a new campaign in development –  please contact me at [email protected]

National Reconciliation Week 2023 – Be a Voice for Generations, has been a period of reflection and action at ACFID. We have held a staff learning event, attended events in our region, and finalised a page on our website in regards to The Voice. We encourage our members to take a look and let us know if you would like us to promote or link to resources or events that you may be organising as we near the referendum later this year. 

To Attend

ACFID Connect – ANCP Insights

Join us for a virtual panel to discuss accreditation under the Australian NGO Cooperation Program. Bringing together accreditors, your NGO representatives to the Committee for Development Cooperation (CDC), and member organisations who have undergone the Organisational Review process, this panel seeks to draw out the insights from presenters to assist both current and aspiring ANCP organisations with the process.

This is a MEMBER ONLY SESSION – do not share outside your organisation please.

When: Thursday 8 June
Time: 4 – 5 pm
Where: Online via Zoom (Zoom links will be sent on Wednesday)

Register here

To Attend

ACFID Connect – DFAT Procurement 101

ACFID invites members for an overview of DFAT Procurement led by Darren Sharp, Assistant Secretary, Development Procurement, Agreements and Systems Branch.  Darren has kindly agreed to brief all ACFID members on how DFAT procurement works, including all the ins and outs of tenders, bids, grants and contributions.  Come with your questions — the things you’ve always wanted to know but have never had the chance to ask! The session will be chaired by ACFID’s Chief of Policy and Advocacy Jessica Mackenzie. 

When: Friday 9 June
Time: 12.30 – 1.30 pm
Where: Online via Zoom (Zoom link will be sent out next week prior to the session)

Register here.

To Attend

Allies For Uluru – Online Voice Town Hall

Join the Allies for Uluru online community Town hall session to hear Yuwallarai woman Kirstie Parker, Director of Reconciliation Australia and Strategic Adviser to the Uluru Dialogue and renowned Arrernte and Kalkadoon director, writer and producer Rachel Perkins as they talk about why constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through a Voice to Parliament is a crucial step on the path to creating a better future.

What: Understanding the Voice
When: Wednesday 14 June
Time: 12pm – 1pm AEST
Where: Online

Click here to read more and register.

To Attend

Misconduct Disclosure Scheme – proposed Code change for humanitarian organisations

One of the proposed changes to the ACFID Code under consideration is the introduction of participation in the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme as a mandatory requirement for organisations who support or undertake humanitarian initiatives. Members involved in humanitarian initiatives are invited to join ACFID to discuss and provide feedback on the proposed change.

When: Thursday 8 June
Time: 11am – 12pm (AEST)
Where: Online via Zoom

To Action

Call for Applications: UNHCR Innovation Funds 2023

The UNHCR’s Innovation Service offers four Innovation funds to accelerate innovation that makes a difference for people forced to flee. These four funds support UNHCR teams and refugee-led organizations working to creatively solve complex challenges with and for displaced communities across the world. All four funds are currently open to applications!

Find out more and apply now! Or register for an information session to learn more.

To Attend

ACFID Connect Webinar Series
Practical Steps to Integrate Climate Action: Starting the Journey

ACFID invites members to a two-part webinar series exploring the “how to” of integrating climate action into your organisation. Aimed particularly at ACFID members who are looking to start or step up their climate action, this series will include foundational information, case studies, practical steps, participant engagement, and linkage to resources.

The webinars will build on ACFID’s Climate Action Framework and recent research (Integrating climate change action across the Australian international development sector: Setting the Scene for ANGOs and Enablers of Best Practice), and support ACFID members to genuinely consider climate action in line with the direction of the sector.

The sessions will be facilitated by Anna Gero and Dr Tazrina Chowdhury from the University of Technology Sydney – Institute of Sustainable Futures, who co-authored the papers.

Webinar 1: Wednesday 7 June, 1 pm – 2:30 pm

Webinar 2: Wednesday 14 June, 1 pm – 3 pm

Please note: as this is a two-part series, it is strongly recommended that participants attend both sessions.
Register here.

To Attend

Invitation to join the meeting of Climate Policy and Practice Community 

ACFID members are welcome to join the next meeting of the Climate Policy and Practice Community (CPPC) on June 5 from 1:30-3 pm. This meeting will be an opportunity for a stocktake of the Community’s direction and planning for how it will operate moving forward. We welcome participants from organisations that are still exploring how best to engage in the sector and incorporate climate into their work and also organisations that already have an active role in climate policy and programming.

The agenda includes:  

• Plans for the CPPC going forwards, research planning, proposed outputs, proposed sub-groups
• Updates on engagement on CANA, Civil Pacific Civil Society, COP 31 Advisory Committee
• DFAT consultation on the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership design

Who: Climate Policy & Practice Community (CPPC)
When: Monday 5 June
Time: 1.30 – 3.00 pm
Where: Online via Zoom

For more information contact Head of Policy & Partnerships Antonia Pannell at [email protected]

To Attend

Save the Date: Policy & Advocacy Team Member Visits

Members of ACFID’s Policy & Advocacy Team will be meeting with members from in Melbourne from 3-5 July and in Sydney from 5- 7 July. 

Workshops will be held on the 4 July in Melbourne, and the 6 July in Sydney.

We look forward to catching up and will be organising visits with members shortly!

To Action

Proposed changes to the ACFID Code – feedback due 16 June

All ACFID members are invited to provide feedback on the current proposed changes to the ACFID Code. The changes will affect all ACFID members, and it is important that have input from a diverse range of voices as we reach the final stages of the review.

Provide feedback via the online form, or by emailing [email protected] by Friday 16 June.

The proposed changes relate to a range of topics including:

• Climate change
• Locally-led action
• Anti-racism, racial justice and diversity
• Alignment with other standards and regulations (DFAT, ACNC, CHS, Whistleblowing)
• Financial components in the Code
• Other updates to improve coherence and clarity

Read more on the Code Review webpage.

To Share with Colleagues

ACFID is Hiring a Research Officer

ACFID is currently hiring a Research Officer (0.8-1 FTE) to support the Policy and Advocacy Team to create and implement policy positions for ACFID, particularly in the wake of the new Development Policy, through research and administrative support. This is a unique opportunity to join our Canberra Secretariat with flexible working arrangements (home or office).

Read more and apply here.

To Read

Albanese government urged to push international banks to stop funding fossil fuel development

Click here to read the full article on The Guardian.

To Attend

Harvard Humanitarian Initiative research seminar on humanitarian challenges

When: Wednesday 7 June 2023
Time: 14:00 – 15:30 (Seminar and Q&A 14:00 – 15:00, networking and afternoon tea 15:00 – 15:30)
Where: Deakin Downtown, Melbourne 
Presenters: Vincenzo Bollettino, PhD (Director of Program on Resilient Communities / National NGO Program on Humanitarian Leadership) and Hannah Stoddard, MPA (Program Manager, Program on Resilient Communities)

Read more and register here

Previously in The Weekly: 

• ACFID’s members’ projects – Explore the Interactive Aid Map here.
• ACFID Connect Webinar Series  – Read more about the sessions here.
• ACFID National Conference 2023 Concurrent Sessions Expressions of Interest – Read more here and download the expression of interest pack here!
• ACFID anticipates the release of the Government’s new Development Policy, led by DFAT in the coming weeks.  Read our submissions below.
  • ACFID’s submission to the New International Development Policy
  • ACFID’s Humanitarian Reference Group submission to the New International Development Policy

Upcoming Events

Friday 26 May 2023

In 2017, ACFID celebrated its release at ACFID Conference with a moving speech from Professor Megan Davis, co-chair of the Uluru Dialogue.  The Sir Ron Wilson Human Rights Award was also presented to the Referendum Council in recognition of their outstanding and collaborative consultative process on constitutional reform and this was received by Pat Anderson AO, co-chair of the Uluru Dialogue. 

At ACFID’s AGM, ACFID Council passed a Resolution supporting the Uluru Statement from the Heart, calling on all NGOs to work to support the elements of The Voice.

Please take some time to re-read the Uluru Statement today and share wide within your networks.

I am also incredibly proud of the hard work of our members and the ACFID Secretariat on the updated NGO Aid Map. It is an incredible resource that allows us to see how diverse, extensive and widespread member work is. Read more about the NGO Aid Map below.

Professor Megan Davis, Co-Chair of Uluru Dialogue, gives a moving speech at ACFID Conference 2017 to celebrate the release of the Uluru Statement of the Heart and ACFID Resolution 1/2017.

To Note

Explore ACFID’s members’ projects

ACFID’s 128 members work in over 65 countries expending a total of $1.2 billion dollars in international projects across a range of sectors including health, education, water and sanitation, gender empowerment and responses to humanitarian emergencies.

Head to ACFID’s Interactive NGO Map now to explore the global reach of ACFID’s members and the breadth and depth of their projects. The map lets you filter data by region, country, sector or organisation and features the latest data that members provided to ACFID in the 2022 ACFID Statistical Survey as well as data for the previous four years. 

Explore the Interactive Aid Map here.

To Note

Committee for Development Cooperation – Update on NGO Appointees

Thank you to agencies who responded to our call to nominate sector representatives to the two Board appointed roles on DFAT’s Committee for Development Cooperation (CDC) which oversees the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP). We received nominations from seven excellent candidates and the Board will decide on appointments at the upcoming meeting in mid-June.

The appointments come at an important time for the NGOs involved in the ANCP, as DFAT are about to embark upon accreditation criteria and funding reviews of the program, following an ANCP review last year. 

To Share with Colleagues

ACFID is Hiring a Research Officer

ACFID is currently hiring a Research Officer (0.8-1 FTE) to support the Policy and Advocacy Team to create and implement policy positions for ACFID, particularly in the wake of the new Development Policy, through research and administrative support. This is a unique opportunity to join our Canberra Secretariat with flexible working arrangements (home or office).

Read more and apply here.

To Attend

ACFID Connect Webinar Series
Practical Steps to Integrate Climate Action: Starting the Journey

ACFID invites members to a two-part webinar series exploring the “how to” of integrating climate action into your organisation. Aimed particularly at ACFID members who are looking to start or step up their climate action, this series will include foundational information, case studies, practical steps, participant engagement, and linkage to resources.

The webinars will build on ACFID’s Climate Action Framework and recent research (Integrating climate change action across the Australian international development sector: Setting the Scene for ANGOs and Enablers of Best Practice), and support ACFID members to genuinely consider climate action in line with the direction of the sector.

The sessions will be facilitated by Anna Gero and Dr Tazrina Chowdhury from the University of Technology Sydney – Institute of Sustainable Futures, who co-authored the papers.

Webinar 1: Wednesday 7 June, 1 pm – 2:30 pm

Webinar 2: Wednesday 14 June, 1 pm – 3 pm

Please note: as this is a two-part series, it is strongly recommended that participants attend both sessions.
Register here.

To Attend

Invitation to join the meeting of Climate Policy and Practice Community 

ACFID members are welcome to join the next meeting of the Climate Policy and Practice Community (CPPC) on June 5 from 1:30-3 pm. This meeting will be an opportunity for a stocktake of the Community’s direction and planning for how it will operate moving forward. We welcome participants from organisations that are still exploring how best to engage in the sector and incorporate climate into their work and also organisations that already have an active role in climate policy and programming. The agenda will be provided soon via the Communities Platform in MYACFID.

Who: Climate Policy & Practice Community (CPPC)
When: Monday 5 June
Time: 1.30 – 3.00 pm
Where: Online via Zoom

For more information contact Head of Policy & Partnerships Antonia Pannell at [email protected]

To Attend

Save the Date: Policy & Advocacy Team Member Visits

Members of ACFID’s Policy & Advocacy Team will be meeting with members from in Melbourne from 3-5 July and in Sydney from 5- 7 July. 

Workshops will be held on the 4 July in Melbourne, and the 6 July in Sydney.

We look forward to catching up and will be organising visits with members shortly!

To Attend

AP4D Symposium | Women, Peace and Security in the Pacific

On Wednesday 31 May the Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy and Defence Dialogue (AP4D) will launch a new paper: ‘What does it look like for Australia to be a Strategic Partner on Women, Peace and Security with the Pacific’. The paper is the result of three months of consultations with almost 40 experts from Australia and the region and outlines a vision and pathways for how Australia can work with the Pacific to progress the WPS agenda.

Who: AP4D
When: Wednesday 31 May
Time: 10-11am (AEST)
Where: Online via Zoom – Register here.

To Attend

Code Review – final member workshops

Join us for the online consultation workshop to finalise the proposed changes to the Code.

When: Tuesday 30 May
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Where: Online – Register here. Please note online is primarily for members based outside Sydney and Melbourne.

Read more about the workshops here. 

To Action

Glasgow Statement

The Glasgow Statement coalition in Australia, led by Jubilee, includes organisations like ActionAid, ACF, Diplomats for Climate Action and more. Sign on to the open letter in support of Australia signing the Glasgow Statement to commit to ending international support for fossil fuels and to catalyse support for renewable energy.

Previously in The Weekly: 

• ACFID anticipates the release of the Government’s new Development Policy, led by DFAT in the coming weeks.  Read our submissions below.
  • ACFID’s submission to the New International Development Policy
  • ACFID’s Humanitarian Reference Group submission to the New International Development Policy
• Understanding Race & Racism Workshops – read more & sign up for extra dates here.
• ACFID Submission to the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Philanthropy – read it here.
• ACFID National Conference 2023 Concurrent Sessions Expressions of Interest – Read more here and download the expression of interest pack here!
  

Upcoming Events

Friday 19 May 2023

To Note

Productivity Commission Inquiry into Philanthropy

ACFID has lodged a submission to the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Philanthropy. It covers key issues that impact the sector, such as FBT, planned payroll giving, cybersecurity and dollar-dollar matching.

Read our submission here.

To Note

Cyclone Mocha

ACFID is extremely concerned about the devastating humanitarian impacts of Cyclone Mocha, which recently made landfall in Myanmar and Bangladesh. We are closely watching the situation and are coordinating through the HRG with DFAT.

To Attend

ACFID Connect Webinar Series
Practical Steps to Integrate Climate Action: Starting the Journey

ACFID invites members to a two-part webinar series exploring the “how to” of integrating climate action into your organisation. Aimed particularly at ACFID members who are looking to start or step up their climate action, this series will include foundational information, case studies, practical steps, participant engagement, and linkage to resources.

The webinars will build on ACFID’s Climate Action Framework and recent research (Integrating climate change action across the Australian international development sector: Setting the Scene for ANGOs and Enablers of Best Practice), and support ACFID members to genuinely consider climate action in line with the direction of the sector.

The sessions will be facilitated by Anna Gero and Dr Tazrina Chowdhury from the University of Technology Sydney – Institute of Sustainable Futures, who co-authored the papers.

Webinar 1: Wednesday 7 June, 1 pm – 2:30 pm

Webinar 2: Wednesday 14 June, 1 pm – 3 pm

Please note: as this is a two-part series, it is strongly recommended that participants attend both sessions.
Register here.

To Attend

Save the Date: Climate Policy & Practice Community (CPPC) meeting

This 1.5-hour meeting is designed for organisations with a more active role in climate policy and programming, as well as those exploring how best to engage in the sector and incorporate climate into their work. Agenda to be shared shortly, but it promises to be topical and varied, and will include a discussion on how best to take the CPPC forward this year.

Who: Climate Policy & Practice Community (CPPC)
When: Monday 5 June
Time: 1.30 – 3.00 pm
Where: Online – more details to come.

To Attend

AP4D Symposium | Women, Peace and Security in the Pacific

On Wednesday 31 May the Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy and Defence Dialogue (AP4D) will launch a new paper: ‘What does it look like for Australia to be a Strategic Partner on Women, Peace and Security with the Pacific’. The paper is the result of three months of consultations with almost 40 experts from Australia and the region and outlines a vision and pathways for how Australia can work with the Pacific to progress the WPS agenda.

Who: AP4D
When: Wednesday 31 May
Time: 10-11am (AEST)
Where: Online via Zoom – Register here.

To Attend

Save the Date: Policy & Advocacy Team Member Visits

Members of ACFID’s Policy & Advocacy Team will be meeting with members from 3-7 July in both Melbourne and Sydney. We look forward to catching up and will be organising visits with members shortly!

To Attend

Understanding Race & Racism Workshops

ACFID has been very grateful for the overwhelming response to “Understanding Race & Racism Workshop” with HUE.

Yesterday’s session was thought-provoking, confronting (in a good way), and very fun! 

ACFID is proud to stand by its resolution on race, diversity, and Australian NGOs. As such, all members interested will be offered this valuable training. 

The additional workshops are:

• Thursday 29 June 2023; 11am-1pm AEST. Please register here.
• Wednesday 12 July 2023; 2pm-4pm AEST. Please register here.
• Thursday 30 August 2023; 9.30am-11.30am AEST. Please register here.
• Thurs 16 November 2023, 2-4pm AEST. Please register here. (Originally this date was marked for HUE’s Deconstructing Whiteness workshop)

Each workshop will have a minimum participation level of 15 attendees, and a maximum participation level of 35 attendees. Please register only if you can attend the full session!

There is pre-reading required and for maximum value, we don’t encourage last minute switching unless people have time to do the pre-reading.

Please send only 1-4 representatives from your organisation, so that all members have the opportunity to participate. If spots are still open, we will contact you to invite any other staff members interested. 

HUE also are conducting public workshops in September, and this is their suite of workshops offered for further and/or organisational training. 

We are also collecting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for Hue’s next workshop “Deconstructing Whiteness” – a session exploring whiteness culture and how it shapes our values, ways of life and how we understand the world, and its structural impacts in our workplaces.

Please note that these workshops will not be recorded due to the sensitive nature of these discussions.

To Attend

• Part One with Melissa Conley Tyler
• Part Two with Julia Ballangarry

To Action

ACFID National Conference 2023

ACFID is excited and proud to announce that this year, the ACFID National Conference will return to an in-person event, to be held at the UNSW Roundhouse on 18 & 19 October 2023.

The theme for this year is “Global Development 2.0: disruptive dynamics, inspired ideas”

The two-day program includes space for both virtual and face-to-face concurrent sessions that advance the conference theme by exploring topics, issues or bold ideas for delegates to learn about, discuss and debate.

Read more here and download the expression of interest pack here!

To Attend

Code Review – final member workshops

Join us for the second round of consultation workshops to finalise the proposed changes to the Code.

We expect that this will be the last round of consultation workshops and encourage all members to participate. Further details on venues and materials for the workshop will be provided in mid-May.

To Action

Nominations open: Committee for Development Cooperation
 
The Committee for Development Cooperation (CDC) is seeking nominations for one ACFID Board appointed NGO representative to serve on the Committee from 1 July 2023, until 30 June 2025. Meeting at least three times per year, the role of the CDC is crucial in relation to the continuous improvement of accreditation, and as both an advisory and consultative body for professional development of the Australian NGO community.

Download this document to find out more about the Committee and the role, and the nomination process.
 
Nominations close at 5pm Tuesday 23 May 2023. Please contact Emily Moreton, CDC Secretariat, with any questions at [email protected].

Previously in The Weekly: 

• Read ACFID’s comprehensive analysis of the 2023-24 Federal Budget

ACFID anticipates the release of the Government’s new Development Policy, led by DFAT in the coming weeks.  Read our submissions below.

• ACFID’s submission to the New International Development Policy
• ACFID’s Humanitarian Reference Group submission to the New International Development Policy

ACNC Related Party Reporting Changes

From the 2023 Annual Information Statement (AIS), all charities except for Basic Religious Charities will be asked to report their related party transactions to the ACNC, due to changes announced in November 2021.

ACNC guidance on related party transactions has been updated and outlines how the new obligations apply to charities of different sizes.

The ACNC recommend charities keep their own register of related party transactions and we have a template to use for this purpose.

Read more on the ACNC website here.

Upcoming Events

Indigenous Voice: Getting ready to explain to the world if Australia votes “No”

Lowy Interpreter | Hugh Piper

Friday 12 May 2023

We are now ranked 27^th out of 30 OECD donor countries, giving just 0.19% of GNI this year – down from 0.2% in October. ACFID will continue to advocate for those with greatest need and work with the Government to deliver on its ambitions to revitalise Australia’s international development and humanitarian assistance program.

The new Development Policy, of which we anticipate the release in the coming weeks, should guide the allocation and implementation of the aid budget. This will outline key priorities and guide future spending and programming. ACFID will issue a media release in response and provide a comprehensive overview for members. Read ACFID’s submissions to the new Development Policy here.

To Note

2023-24 Federal Budget – ACFID’s Analysis

ACFID welcomed the 2023-24 Federal Budget’s measures towards improving ODA on Tuesday evening, describing them as “responsible and sustainable.”

While the Budget contains only modest immediate measures aimed at boosting ODA, ACFID recognises the Government is devoted to sequenced increases of 2.5% per year over the longer term from 2026-27 onwards.

Jump in to read all about the highlights of the aid budget, such as investment in DFAT development capability and new non-ODA funds for the Pacific, the increases and decreases from previous analyses and the questions we still have, such as will we see a whole of government strategy on international humanitarian assistance?

To Note

2023-24 Federal Budget – Help Fight Famine

The 2023-24 Federal Budget is a missed opportunity for Australia to devote much needed additional resources to the global hunger crisis, and Help Fight Famine intends to press the case for further relief efforts to be funded from the Humanitarian Emergency Fund.

Read the full media release here.

To Note

Aid Sector Welcomes $6m for Sudan; Urges an Amplified Australian Response

Australia’s international aid and humanitarian sector has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement over the weekend of an initial $6 million in emergency funding to assist the people of Sudan, which is currently in the grips of a deadly civil conflict.

The aid sector believes Australia should elevate our financial commitment to $25 million in total. This reflects our country’s expansive and growing Sudanese diaspora, combined with our global interests in supporting peace and human development. 

Read the full media release here.

To Attend

Understanding Race & Racism Workshops

ACFID has been very grateful for the overwhelming response to “Understanding Race & Racism Workshop” with HUE.

Yesterday’s session was thought-provoking, confronting (in a good way), and very fun! 

ACFID is proud to stand by its resolution on race, diversity, and Australian NGOs. As such, all members interested will be offered this valuable training. 

The additional workshops are:

• Thursday 29 June 2023; 11am-1pm AEST. Please register here.
• Wednesday 12 July 2023; 2pm-4pm AEST. Please register here.
• Thursday 30 August 2023; 9.30am-11.30am AEST. Please register here.
• Thurs 16 November 2023, 2-4pm AEST. Please register here. (Originally this date was marked for HUE’s Deconstructing Whiteness workshop)

Each workshop will have a minimum participation level of 15 attendees, and a maximum participation level of 35 attendees. Please register only if you can attend the full session!

There is pre-reading required and for maximum value, we don’t encourage last minute switching unless people have time to do the pre-reading.

Please send only 1-4 representatives from your organisation, so that all members have the opportunity to participate. If spots are still open, we will contact you to invite any other staff members interested. 

HUE also are conducting public workshops in September, and this is their suite of workshops offered for further and/or organisational training. 

We are also collecting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for Hue’s next workshop “Deconstructing Whiteness” – a session exploring whiteness culture and how it shapes our values, ways of life and how we understand the world, and its structural impacts in our workplaces.

Please note that these workshops will not be recorded due to the sensitive nature of these discussions.

To Action

ACNC Related Party Reporting Changes

From the 2023 Annual Information Statement (AIS), all charities except for Basic Religious Charities will be asked to report their related party transactions to the ACNC, due to changes announced in November 2021.

ACNC guidance on related party transactions has been updated and outlines how the new obligations apply to charities of different sizes.

The ACNC recommend charities keep their own register of related party transactions and we have a template to use for this purpose.

Read more on the ACNC website here.

To Read

Budget details $2 billion into Pacific to expand security and economic ties into island nations

ABC News | Stephen Dziedzic

Tuesday’s Federal Budget announced a $1.9bn package of whole of government support to the Pacific. Just $114m of this is ODA. The ABC reporting on this package quoted ACFID’s Chief of Policy and Advocacy Jessica Mackenzie. Speaking about the Government’s commitment to increase the ODA budget by 2.5% each year from 2026-27 over the long term, she said that the built-in increases “showed a commitment by this government to solidify a base from which to grow”. “It’s not radical, or enough, but they’re sequencing things carefully.”

Read it on the ABC’s website here.

To Read

A Platform for Pacific Feminists to Come Together

ACFID Blog | Jane Alver

The 3rd Pacific Feminist Forum ran from 8 May in Fiji until 10 May 2023.

Pacific regional feminist civil society is collectively creating spaces to be heard. Pacific feminists share initiatives, reconcile differences in goals, resolve tensions, have open processes, work across differences, and sustain actions which have resulted in Pacific feminist civil society having the ability to build a space for influencing other regional decision makers.

Read it on ACFID’s Blog here.

To Action

ACFID National Conference 2023

ACFID is excited and proud to announce that this year, the ACFID National Conference will return to an in-person event, to be held at the UNSW Roundhouse on 18 & 19 October 2023.

The theme for this year is “Global Development 2.0: disruptive dynamics, inspired ideas”

The two-day program includes space for both virtual and face-to-face concurrent sessions that advance the conference theme by exploring topics, issues or bold ideas for delegates to learn about, discuss and debate.

Read more here and download the expression of interest pack here!

To Attend

Code Review – final member workshops

Join us for the second round of consultation workshops to finalise the proposed changes to the Code.

Thank you for your feedback and contributions to the ACFID Code Review so far! We are currently revising the proposed changes taking account of the feedback on the thematic areas of climate action, locally-led action and racial justice and diversity, that we received in the March consultation period.  A new draft will also propose changes to better align the Code with ACNC and ANCP regulatory requirements as well as some of the financial reporting requirements. 

We expect that this will be the last round of consultation workshops and encourage all members to participate. Further details on venues and materials for the workshop will be provided in mid-May.

To Action

Nominations open: Committee for Development Cooperation
 
The Committee for Development Cooperation (CDC) is seeking nominations for one ACFID Board appointed NGO representative to serve on the Committee from 1 July 2023, until 30 June 2025. Meeting at least three times per year, the role of the CDC is crucial in relation to the continuous improvement of accreditation, and as both an advisory and consultative body for professional development of the Australian NGO community.

Download this document to find out more about the Committee and the role, and the nomination process.
 
Nominations close at 5pm Tuesday 23 May 2023. Please contact Emily Moreton, CDC Secretariat, with any questions at [email protected].

To Attend

Melbourne Heads of Agency Dinner and Networking

You are invited to join Marc Purcell for an ACFID Member Heads of Agency dinner on Tuesday 16^th May from 6 – 8:30 pm. Please note that this is for Heads of Agencies and CEOs only.
 
This will be a wonderful opportunity to get together casually and enjoy a beautiful feast of Afghani food at the Afghan Gallery in Fitzroy, Melbourne. This family-run restaurant was founded by Dr Nouria Salehi, now CEO of the Afghan Australian Development Organisation, and her brother many moons ago. Following the Federal Budget and impending new development policy, there will be lots to discuss on the night.

For more information, please get in touch with Rae Lans, [email protected]
Please register and pay using this link. We sincerely hope to see you there.

To Attend

Introduction to the Sector Workshop (Melbourne)

ACFID will be hosting a one-day introductory workshop for staff, board members, and other personnel who are new to the International Development and Humanitarian Sector. This participatory face-to-face workshop will include an overview of the history of international development and humanitarian action; an introduction to ACFID’s Code and role in the sector; guest speakers; and opportunities for networking and further learning.

When: Tue 16 May 2023
Time: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm AEST
Where: AVI – 160 Johnston St, Fitzroy

Please register here

To Note

Productivity Commission Inquiry into Philanthropy

ACFID will be making a submission to this inquiry after the Federal Budget. It will cover, amongst other things;

• the need to increase Fringe Benefit Tax concessions for charities,
• the value of payroll giving being taken up by Federal Government departments and agencies,
• the opportunities and risks with the digitisation of charity data, and,
• the value of standards of effectiveness in increasing public confidence, such as the ACFID Code of Conduct.

Upcoming Events

Three Months on from the Quakes, let’s keep the Spotlight on Northwest Syria
The New Humanitarian | David Carden

Donate to ACFID Members who are holding appeals via this link.

Friday 05 May 2023

ACFID and our members have a strong commitment to understanding and acting on racism within our sector and promoting diversity at all levels of organisations.

I invite you to join me for an important virtual workshop next week, Understanding Race & Racism. You can read more about the details of this workshop below.

The Australian development sector will be closely watching the Federal Budget on Tuesday and how Australia is going to continue to assist people in developing countries. Keep an eye out for our budget analysis to be released in the early hours of Wednesday morning, and the subsequent debrief at 12:30 pm on Wednesday. You can read more below

To Attend

Understanding Race & Racism Workshop

The Racial Justice Community of Practice have organised HUE, a leading anti-oppression and anti-racism consultancy, to deliver a tailored 2 hour workshop online to ACFID members. The workshop is designed to develop a shared language and understanding of race-related issues within Australian NGO workplaces and foster trust and safety.

ACFID members will learn: 
1. To understand and use appropriate and nuanced race related vocabulary 
2. To contextualise racism within a structural framework 
3. To develop understanding of the impacts of racism on people of colour and First Nations people
4. To develop critical thinking and understanding of context of racist stereotypes and tropes
5. To analyse the ways privilege and disadvantage exist within communities of colour
6. To generate and feel equipped to take actions that improve safety for people of colour and tackle racial injustice

*This workshop is a pre-requisite to Hue’s follow-up workshop ‘Deconstructing Whiteness’ held by the RJCOP in November 2023.

When: Thursday 11 May 2023
Time: 2 – 4pm
Where: Virtual Please register here

To Note

2023-24 Federal Budget – 9 May

The Government will announce the Federal Budget on the evening of Tuesday 9 May. ACFID will release a comprehensive analysis of key changes and host a briefing call for ACFID members the following day – 12.30pm on 10 May – to walk through this analysis and answer your questions. Please register in advance here.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Brigid O’Farrell via [email protected]

The Development Policy Centre is also doing its usual Aid Budget Breakfast at 9am on 10 May. This is open to the public. Register here.

To Action

ACFID National Conference 2023

ACFID is excited and proud to announce that this year, the ACFID National Conference will return to an in-person event, to be held at the UNSW Roundhouse on 18 & 19 October 2023.

The theme for this year is “Global Development 2.0: disruptive dynamics, inspired ideas”

The two-day program includes space for both virtual and face-to-face concurrent sessions that advance the conference theme by exploring topics, issues or bold ideas for delegates to learn about, discuss and debate. 

Read more here and download the expression of interest pack here!

   The John Fawcett Foundation (JFF) is a humanitarian not-for-profit organisation which assists needy people in Indonesia, particularly in the field of sight restoration and blindness prevention. It offers its assistance to people in the lower socio-economic group free of charge and without religious, political or ethnic consideration.

The John Fawcett Foundation 2023 International Women’s Day

The John Fawcett Foundation honoured International Women’s Day in 2023 with a special female-only eye clinic at their Headquarters in Bali on Wednesday 8 March, with a follow-up cataract operating session on Friday 10 March, for women identified as blind with cataracts.

Read more here on ACFID’s website here.

Would you like to be featured as a Member Showcase? Contact Eva Touzeau on [email protected]

To Attend

Code Review – final member workshops

Join us for the second round of consultation workshops to finalise the proposed changes to the Code.

Thank you for your feedback and contributions to the ACFID Code Review so far! We are currently revising the proposed changes taking account of the feedback on the thematic areas of climate action, locally-led action and racial justice and diversity, that we received in the March consultation period.  A new draft will also propose changes to better align the Code with ACNC and ANCP regulatory requirements as well as some of the financial reporting requirements. 

We expect that this will be the last round of consultation workshops and encourage all members to participate. Further details on venues and materials for the workshop will be provided in mid-May.

To Action

Nominations open: Committee for Development Cooperation
 
The Committee for Development Cooperation (CDC) is seeking nominations for one ACFID Board appointed NGO representative to serve on the Committee from 1 July 2023, until 30 June 2025. Meeting at least three times per year, the role of the CDC is crucial in relation to the continuous improvement of accreditation, and as both an advisory and consultative body for professional development of the Australian NGO community.

Download this document to find out more about the Committee and the role, and the nomination process.
 
Nominations close at 5pm Tuesday 23 May 2023. Please contact Emily Moreton, CDC Secretariat, with any questions at [email protected].

To Attend

Melbourne Heads of Agency Dinner and Networking

You are invited to join Marc Purcell for an ACFID Member Heads of Agency dinner on Tuesday 16^th May from 6 – 8:30 pm. Please note that this is for Heads of Agencies and CEOs only.
 
This will be a wonderful opportunity to get together casually and enjoy a beautiful feast of Afghani food at the Afghan Gallery in Fitzroy, Melbourne. This family-run restaurant was founded by Dr Nouria Salehi, now CEO of the Afghan Australian Development Organisation, and her brother many moons ago. Following the Federal Budget and impending new development policy, there will be lots to discuss on the night.

For more information, please get in touch with Rae Lans, [email protected]
Please register and pay using this link. We sincerely hope to see you there.

To Attend

Introduction to the Sector Workshop (Melbourne)

ACFID will be hosting a one-day introductory workshop for staff, board members, and other personnel who are new to the International Development and Humanitarian Sector. This participatory face-to-face workshop will include an overview of the history of international development and humanitarian action; an introduction to ACFID’s Code and role in the sector; guest speakers; and opportunities for networking and further learning.

When: Tue 16 May 2023
Time: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm AEST
Where: AVI – 160 Johnston St, Fitzroy

Please register here

To Attend

ACFID Connect Webinar series – First Nations Foreign Policy 

Join ACFID for the second in the First Nations Foreign Policy ACFID Connect Series, hosted by Julie Balangarry, a proud Gumbaynggirr/Dunghutti woman who co-authored the seminal paper ‘Indigenous Foreign Policy: a new way forward?’ and a PhD Candidate at the School of Government and International Relations, Griffith University. Julie will host a discussion on the landscape for a First Nations foreign policy: what can and should be included, what should be avoided, and what the traditions to work from are.

When:  Thursday 11 May
Time: 12 pm – 1 pm
Where: Online – register here.

Missed out on the first session with Melissa Conley Tyler? Watch it now via this link!

To Attend

ACFID Connect Webinar Series
Practical Steps to Integrate Climate Action: Starting the Journey

ACFID invites members to a two-part webinar series exploring the “how to” of integrating climate action into your organisation. Aimed particularly at ACFID members who are looking to start or step up their climate action, this series will include foundational information, case studies, practical steps, participant engagement, and linkage to resources.

The webinars will build on ACFID’s Climate Action Framework and recent research (Integrating climate change action across the Australian international development sector: Setting the Scene for ANGOs and Enablers of Best Practice), and support ACFID members to genuinely consider climate action in line with the direction of the sector.

The sessions will be facilitated by Anna Gero and Dr Tazrina Chowdhury from the University of Technology Sydney – Institute of Sustainable Futures, who co-authored the papers.

Webinar 1: Wednesday 7 June, 1 pm – 2:30 pm

Webinar 2: Wednesday 14 June, 1 pm – 3 pm

Register here.
Please note: as this is a two-part series, it is strongly recommended that participants attend both sessions.

To Note

New Development Policy
ACFID anticipates that the policy will be announced soon, given the suggestion by Minister Wong at the National Press Club on Monday 17 April.  ACFID will issue a media release in response and provide a comprehensive overview for members.

Stay tuned for further details once the new policy is released.

To Attend

Webinar on Advocacy and the Voice Referendum

Following a lot of interest in the ACNC’s advice on the advocacy around the Voice Referendum. With ACOSS and ADN, the Stronger Charities Alliance (SCA) will be hosting a sector briefing on the topic. Sue Woodward, the ACNC Commissioner will speak with attendees in a live webinar with a short presentation and a Q&A session.

Please submit any questions you would like to ask ACNC via the link below, noting that there will not be the opportunity to ask about the referendum disclosure scheme (related to if your charity is campaigning, receiving donations or making donations on referendum matters and the amount is $15,200 or more).

The webinar is open to all charities, not just Alliance members.

Who: Stronger Charities Alliance
When: Thursday 16 May
Time: 11 am – 11:45 am
Where: Online. Register for the webinar 

To Note

Productivity Commission Inquiry into Philanthropy

ACFID will be making a submission to this inquiry after the Federal Budget. It will cover, amongst other things;

• the need to increase Fringe Benefit Tax concessions for charities,
• the value of payroll giving being taken up by Federal Government departments and agencies,
• the opportunities and risks with the digitisation of charity data, and,
• the value of standards of effectiveness in increasing public confidence, such as the ACFID Code of Conduct.

To Note

Inquiry into the Rights of Women and Children

Public hearings for this inquiry are ongoing. ACFID is, like many organisations, waiting on a rescheduled hearing slot. If anyone has questions about this inquiry or would look to coordinate an approach, please reach out to Natasha Chabbra via [email protected]

To Action

City of Sydney’s Major Events and Festivals Charity Partnership.

Expressions of Interest for major events & festivals charity partnerships are now open for the 2023 / 2024 event season.  You can find out more information on the City of Sydney website.

Applications close 11:59 pm on Tuesday 9 May 2023.

To Action

SDG Action Awards

The UN SDG Action Awards is a signature programme of the UN SDG Action Campaign, seeking initiatives and individuals that mobilise, inspire and connect people to drive positive change.

Apply or send your nomination by 7 May 2023

Upcoming Events

“Halfway to the deadline for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we are leaving more than half the world behind.  The SDG Progress Report shows that just 12 per cent of the Sustainable Development Goal targets are on track.  Progress on 50 per cent is weak and insufficient.  Worst of all, we have stalled or gone into reverse on more than 30 per cent of the SDGs.  Unless we act now, the 2030 Agenda will become an epitaph for a world that might have been.”
– the United Nations Secretary General, 25/04/23