The nonprofit sector plays a critical role in the life of the NT, is one of our biggest employers and provides crucial services to many more Territorians – but it is at risk.
The latest Value of the Northern Territory Nonprofit Sector Snapshot Report 2024, the third in this series produced by NTCOSS and the UWA Centre for Public Value, shows concerning signs of a lack of sustainability within the sector. Almost half (41%) of organisations are likely not meeting cost increases.
Click here for Value of the Sector report
Click here for Value of the Sector report factsheet
This snapshot reviews the social and economic contribution of the Territory’s nonprofit sector using the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission’s 2021 data. The sector is a major part of the Territory’s economy – contributing 7.5% of the NT’s Gross State Product – and employs 11,150 people.
This makes our sector one of the Territory’s biggest employers – making up 8.4% of the NT workforce. It is a bigger employer than mining and manufacturing (4.6%), construction (8.2%), agriculture, forestry, and fishing (1.8%). The sector also engaged 10,366 formal volunteers.
Community service workers support Territorians in times of crisis, keeping them alive, safe and with a roof over their heads. Charities play a vital role in addressing the diverse needs of the Territory. As the snapshot highlights “the ultimate shock absorbers of the outcomes of poor funding policy are those Territorians who are reliant on services and support to live their lives”
“Every Territorian will benefit from the contribution of a nonprofit at some point in their lives,” NTCOSS CEO Sally Sievers said.
“If these services are not funded in a sustainable way, the implications for Territorians will be disastrous,” A male client, “M”, recently spoke at his graduation ceremony about how the not-for-profit FORWAARD Aboriginal Corporation “saved my life.”
He described himself as having previously been a broken man, sick, homeless, unemployed, and on the brink of death due to his destructive behaviour. He is now healthy, focussed, substance-free, and returned to his community to work in his family’s business. The compassionate staff and supportive rehabilitation environment at FORWAARD helped him – and many other clients – feel safe and comfortable, and instilled in him the belief that he could achieve anything.
Click here for Value of the Sector report
Click here for Value of the Sector report factsheet
Contact Greg Roberts (08) 8948 2665 or media@ntcoss.org.au
Background
The Northern Territory Council of Social Service (NTCOSS) is the peak body for the Social and Community Sector in the NT and an advocate for social justice on behalf of people and communities in the NT, who may be affected by poverty and disadvantage