In the spotlight today
Report on the 2007 Conference
"Supporting Those Who Support Others"
We would like to unashamedly be known as the party that champions the charitable sector. On Saturday, September 1st we invited a few key charitable organizations to address our party's annual conference. They shared of their work, their challenges, successes, and finally, what they believe we could do more of as a party to use the halls of parliament to champion charities.
All groups present were aware that United Future, as part of our arrangement with the current government, completely axed the limit on tax back when donating to charitable institutions. It comes into effect next April and is one of the 'bottom lines' that we entered government-forming talks with at the last election. This, among other gains, prompted Peter Dunne to say during his speech, "does anyone really believe Labour would have made any of these changes without UnitedFuture's pressure?" [Read below for more comments on Peter's speech]
The day really belonged though to recognizing those who work tirelessly on the frontlines of community service. Here's an excerpt or two on what they said:
Melanie Downer (representing the Wellington Community Law Centre):
"There needs to be a genuine partnership between Government and Community. Community organizations should be given legitimacy from government, but also flexibility to deliver and flourish. The relationship with government is currently far too over-contractual"
James Austin from Wellington City Mission, in response to Melanie's comment on wanting to 'flourish', pointed out that the City Mission, [as the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff], does not want to flourish! His stories of the thousands of families/individuals receiving care through their doors inspired everyone.
Diane Vivian, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, referred to their wish list; namely boosts in the kinship carer allowance and general status, along with counseling for grandkids and their grandparents who often find themselves in traumatic circumstances. She too shared many stories of selfless and living family members who are left to pick up pieces.
Kim Workman from Prison Fellowship talked of the kind of courage that will be needed to form a 10 year strategy for criminal justice reform that is beyond populist perspectives of the day. He'd like to see a public health modeled prison system, based on decency and human rights, not a 'criminal control' model approach.
The final presenter was Deborah Morris Travers from "Every Child Counts' project – a network of major charitable groups like Plunket, Barnados, and UNICEF, among others. Deborah simply asked that in all our United Future endeavours in parliament, that the effect of our work, ideas, and plans on children be considered. They are one of societies 'ignored' voices – voices that don't get heard above the clash of others.
The five representatives from community groups were fantastic ambassadors for their organizations. The passion and commitment with which they spoke of their respective causes was indeed a highlight for all.
Earlier in the morning, two other individuals who are community 'ambassadors' in their own right were honoured with lifetime membership of United Future. The Hon. Graeme Lee and the Hon. Margaret Austin accepted the award and wished the party every success for the future.
Peter Dunne, in his keynote speech spanned many of the United Future achievements in this parliamentary term. He highlighted the lowering of the business tax rate and majored on United Futures key role in 'supporting those who support others'. The change to the level of tax rebates when giving to charities Peter said, is "a tremendous boost to the growth and development of our voluntary and charitable sector, [it's a] a huge recognition of the valuable role they already perform, and a significant encouragement for them to do even more in the future." Peter went on to say that these changes to the tax system are "… only the start, and later this year, I will be releasing further proposals to enhance charitable giving, to build on the steps we have taken so far." "We want to see all the community and voluntary sector empowered and encouraged to do more of what it does so well, often far better than the state, in education, in health care and in welfare services." "Our policy is all about making that happen, so that more dynamic and responsive community services can flourish and the leaden and often far too politically correct hand of state intervention can be put to one side."
[Read Peter's full speech – go to the 'spotlight' page]
Judy Turner, United Future's Deputy Leader highlighted the disability sector and the disparity between what appears to be world-class strategy for the delivery of services to this very vulnerable sector, but in real terms, very poor practical delivery.
[Read Judy Turner's full speech – go to the 'spotlight' page]
Those attending the conference evaluated the time together highly. Susan & Graham Butterworth wrote:
"The highlight of a very good conference for us was the session with the five representatives of the service organizations. Apart from the fact that all were powerful, moving speakers, the important thing was that we had invited them there to tell us what they needed, not for us to tell them what we could, would or might do for them. This is right on the button. We feel that so far as possible government's best role in social matters is to be the gear-box, not the engine. We should make sure the energy generated in the voluntary sector is translated as effectively as possible into traction on the road."
From Pauline: "I found Conference to be very motivating, positive and clear about where United Future is heading. The message behind what we are doing; Supporting People that Support Others; is entirely real, needed, and I believe will be attract a lot of votes."
John from Christchurch: "I go to a political meeting hoping to be inspired (and I was), but not expecting to be moved – I was moved by the passion, the dedication, and the weight of responsibility shown by the community group leaders who spoke to us. The wheels of this country are greased by the sweat of volunteers, and thank goodness for that otherwise the wheels would fall off."
"Conference for me was another milestone on our way to becoming a more intentional long term player in the NZ Parliament, it showed we have a fresh approach to centrist politics…" – Robin Gunston
And finally: "Thanks for the opportunity. I had a great time attending. What struck me is how friendly and welcoming everyone was…It was also really good to see all the different sorts of people present. Many different backgrounds from lawyers to business people, to family caregivers. It really shows the broad range of people that United Future appeals to which is wonderful. Thanks Kelleigh."
Many thanks to all those who made this year's conference a resounding success. Bring on Auckland 2008!