A question of balance: principles, contracts and the government-not-for-profit relationship

For over a year the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC), the Social Justice & Social Change Research Centre and the Whitlam Institute have been examining the contractual relationship between governments and non-for-profit organisations for the provision of services, particularly employment services. The primary and secondary research has been supplemented by detailed legal analysis of a number of key federal government contracts. The final report not only presents the research findings but proposes a series of recommendations including a proposed set of common principles that could govern future contracts. The aim of the project has been to determine the impact of these contracts – including on the relationship between the government and non-government parties – and to offer concrete, constructive ideas for nurturing stronger relationships to deliver better services. The conclusion reached is that the contract in effect codifies the government – non-government relationship in respect of the delivery of services. As such, its importance has been understated. Redeveloping the contractual relationship from core principles down will have a significant and positive impact on both the government – non-government relationship and on the delivery of quality services to those in relying upon them.