Our CEO, Adele Laughton CEO, joined state, territory and national social enterprise peak bodies in Canberra to meet with government and sector leaders. Together, they focused on advancing the role of social enterprise and unlocking its untapped potential as a driver of innovation, inclusion and economic growth.
Across a series of meetings, the Federal Government was urged to take a more coordinated approach to social enterprise policy. In particular, they prompted government to consolidate existing initiatives and create clearer pathways for collaboration, investment and scale.
Importantly, industry leaders increasingly recognise the pivotal role social enterprises play across the economy. Social enterprises create jobs, deliver essential services and respond to gaps that traditional markets often overlook. At the same time, they embed care for both people and the planet into their operating models, delivering social and environmental outcomes alongside financial sustainability.
Against this backdrop, the sector invited the Federal Government to work in partnership with peaks, practitioners and other stakeholders to develop a National Social Enterprise Strategy. This strategy would provide a shared framework for growth and would draw on existing evidence, data and verification mechanisms. It would also support practical levers such as social procurement, impact investment, outcome-based payments and capability-building initiatives.
Australia is already home to approximately 12,000 social enterprises. Together, these businesses contribute an estimated $21.3 billion to the economy and employ more than 206,000 people nationwide. These figures highlight both the scale of the sector and the opportunity to further strengthen its contribution through coordinated national action.
Overall, this moment represents a significant opportunity for social enterprise in Australia. The sector continues to grow, mature and demonstrate impact. A co-designed national strategy, developed in genuine partnership with the sector, would support the continued evolution of initiatives and help ensure social enterprises can deliver lasting benefits for the communities they serve.
