Abstract:
The recent introduction of written 'compacts' between government and the community sector
in Australia offers the promise of meaningful coproduction of policy. However, recent
research has highlighted that many in the community sector continue to perceive that there are
significant constraints on their capacity to engage in advocacy. This paper examines the
impact of the current governance regimes on the Australian community sector and explores
the dimensions of these perceived constraints. The paper argues that both government and
community sectors must make concessions and adjustments. Governments must accept that
the use of contracting monopolies to stifle advocacy has weakened their capacity to deliver
responsive services, while community organisations must accept that new governance regimes
require new modes of participation in the policy process. The paper explores whether the
compacts can help create such an equilibrium.
