Local MP, Sharon Bird paid a visit to IRT’s new headquarters in Wollongong this week to congratulate the aged care provider for signing up to the federal government’s national compact with the not-for-profit sector.

Launched by the prime minister earlier this year, the compact is an agreement which aims to give community groups greater input into policy development and programming.

The government said the compact had been designed to help charities feel safe and valued in voicing their opinions and contributing to debates.

IRT’s CEO, Nives Murray said the official recognition of the organisation’s commitment to the compact was timely, given last week’s announcement of the terms of reference for the Productivity Commission’s aged care inquiry.

“We’ll be utilising every opportunity to have input into the redesign of Australia’s aged care system, be it the Productivity Commission or the National Compact,” Ms Murray said.

“IRT is Australia’s largest not-for-profit community based aged care and seniors living provider.

“We feel it is nothing less than our responsibility to be a part of the discussions that will help shape the future of this sector, so we can seek the best outcomes for older people.”

Over 160 community groups have become national compact partners, including Baptist Community Services (NSW & ACT), HammondCare, Anglicare SA, COTA, Maroba and the Benevolent Society.

Not-for-profit organisations can click here to sign up as a national compact partner.