The Australian Council of Social Service today welcomed the announcement of the formation of the Australian Civil Society 20 (C20) as an integral part of the program for Australia to host the G20 in Brisbane later this year.
“This is a good move by the Prime Minister and a major step forward in ensuring community voices are heard at the highest level,” said ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie.
“As the national peak body for Australia’s community welfare sector, ACOSS is delighted to be part of this group’s steering committee that will go a long way to strengthen the role of civil society in public policy and decision making at the international level.
“This is recognition of the crucial community groups play in the fabric of Australian society and will leave an important legacy of formalising engagement of civil society in G20 proceedings, with past events held in Russia, South Korea, France and Canada.
‘No longer are the big decisions that are made on the global stage solely the domain of Presidents, Prime Ministers and Finance chiefs. Civil society is now firmly part of this process to make sure decisions are more reflective of the community’s wants, needs and aspirations.
“It is also an important opportunity for Australia to engage with global institutions and organisations on issues such as poverty and inequality, and the processes that are necessary to address these social issues that affect all countries.
“ACOSS welcomes the announcement that Reverend Tim Costello AO will chair the Australian C20 and looks forward to working with him, and alongside the leaders of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples, the Australian Council of International Development and others in ensuring the views of civil society is truly represented at this important forum,” Dr Goldie said.
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