PIAC, together with the Whitlam Institute and the Social Justice & Social Change Research Centre at the University of Western Sydney, examined the contractual relationship between governments and non-for-profit organisations for the provision of services, particularly employment services.

The aim of the project was to determine the impact of these contracts, including their impact on relationships between government and non-government parties. We also aimed to offer constructive ideas for nurturing stronger relationships and delivering better services.

Our final report presented the research findings and recommended a set of common principles that could govern future contracts. The project concluded that the contract codifies the relationship between government and non-government parties in regard to the delivery of services and that its importance has been understated.

Redeveloping the contractual relationship and its core principles would have a significant and positive impact on relationships between government and non-government agencies and on the delivery of quality services.

A copy of the report was submitted to the Productivity Commission Inquiry into the Contribution of the Not for Profit Sector, and many of the recommendations were picked up.