Groundbreaking research has revealed significant differences in the way the nation perceives the community sector.
The Community Compass report – released today – examined attitudes to the huge third sector, a part of the economy that spans the smallest suburban sports clubs, mid-sized not-for-profits and the nation’s biggest charities. Totalling an estimated 600,000 groups in Australia, these organisations employ more than one million people.
The study found most Australians agree that the community sector makes the world a better place, with half the nation keen to contribute more to it if they had the spare time. But the report also uncovered stark differences in views about community funding, advocacy and participation.
The report, commissioned by the social enterprise Our Community and the community sector peak body the Community Council for Australia, is based on a rigorous survey of more than 3000 people.
The study was conducted by the strategic policy research firm 89 Degrees East and divided Australians into six attitudinal segments:
Enthusiastic Engaged (20%) The strongest supporters of the community sector, people in this group are active supporters of community organisations.
Positive Preoccupied (16%) Broadly supportive of the sector, but lack the time and energy to be more involved because of competing demands such as work and raising children.
Isolated Believers (16%) Are of the view that the community sector fills critical gaps left by government and the private sector, that it deserves more government funding, and that service delivery should be prioritised over advocacy.
Active Traditionalists (17%) Above average contributors to community organisations, people in this group believe the role of the community sector is to care for those in need rather than to get involved in politics.
Indifferent Uninvolved (20%) At best hold neutral views or have no opinion about the community sector and its impact.
Begrudging Bygones (10%) People in this more conservative group are likely to be active contributors to their community but are concerned society is going downhill and are nostalgic for a time when people were more connected.
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Other key findings:
- More than 71% of Australians think community organisations make the world a better place
- Sports and recreation clubs are the type of organisations Australians most commonly associate with the community sector
- Most Australians (72%) believe the more people are involved in community activities, the stronger community is
- About 48% of people said they would like to help more in their community but don’t have the time
- Almost half of Australians (49%) believe community organisations should stick to serving their communities and stay out of politics.
Charities Minister Andrew Leigh – who wrote the study’s foreword – described the findings as “a call to action”.
“It challenges policymakers, community leaders, and citizens alike to recognise the contributions of the community sector. By understanding and addressing the diverse attitudes of Australians, we can better support community organisations and build a fairer, more cohesive society."
89 Degrees East research director Dr Rebecca Huntley said, “the picture that emerges from this research is a mixed one, with cause for both celebration and concern for anyone in the sector or invested in its future.”
Community Council for Australia CEO David Crosbie described the Community Compass report as “compelling reading for every charity leader in Australia with an interest in engaging their community”.
“This report ensures we will be having better informed and more robust debates about the place of our sector within Australia.”
Our Community group managing director Denis Moriarty said the “cracking survey” showed for the first time what Australians really thought about charities and not-for-profits.
“Most Australians are in favour of the community sector and would like to contribute more themselves, but can’t do as much as they like, and if we want to build community, we should try and reduce those barriers.”
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Read the report: communitydirectors.com.au/research/community-compass
For comment
Rebecca Huntley, research director, 89 Degrees East
rebecca@89degreeseast.com 0405 702 392 (Sydney)
David Crosbie, CEO, Community Council for Australia
davidc@communitycouncil.com.au 0419 624 420 (Canberra)
Denis Moriarty, group managing director, Our Community
denism@ourcommunity.com.au 0417 184 744 (
