The first comprehensive overview of the not-for-profit organisations that constitute Australia's third sector, and the enormous contribution they make to our society.
'Not for profit' enterprises provide services enjoyed or depended upon by many Australians. But the charities, sports clubs, churches, community organisations, welfare groups, associations, unions, and foundations that draw on our support - and comprise the third sector - also make a significant contribution to our society. They promote social change and defend traditional values; they express our capacity to work together without being ordered by government or lured by profit.
Third Sector provides the first overview of Australia's non-profit enterprises. It describes how this vital part of our economy developed and how it operates today, including interaction with the government and business sectors. As well as documenting the third sector's contributions, it warns of the threats it faces from massive economic, technological and demographic changes. Third sector organisations must now adapt to new circumstances, and prove worthy of continuing support.
For community leaders, this book is essential reading. For politicians, public servants and anyone else who interacts with the third sector, it will be an invaluable resource. As the most comprehensive reference available, Third Sector will be useful to students and teachers of politics, public policy, and welfare studies.
Mark Lyons is Professor of Social Economy at the University of Technology, Sydney and is Australia's leading expert on third sector organisations. He was the inaugural chair of Australian and New Zealand Third Sector Research and a founding board member of the International Society of Third Sector Research. He has been a member of several government advisory bodies, including the Prime Minister's Round Table on Business/Community Partnership and the Reference Group on Welfare Reform.