Congratulations on the 10-year anniversary of the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association. It's a pleasure to recognise PFRA's contribution, and to reflect on the value of charitable fundraising itself.
Fundraising is one of the quiet engines of Australian civic life. A short conversation on a street corner might help fund crisis response work after a natural disaster. A few minutes outside a shopping centre might turn into support for protecting endangered wildlife, or services for children and families doing it tough. An unexpected chat on a morning walk might become a contribution to medical research. These moments are small on their own, but collectively they power the work of many charities that rely on steady, reliable public support.
That is why the way charities fundraise matters. Trust is the bedrock. Donors need to feel confident that the person approaching them is acting respectfully, that their privacy will be protected, and that their contribution will be used well. Charities need confidence that they can invest in fundraising without surprises or inconsistencies. And the public need to know that when they are asked to give, the interaction will be clear, honest and manageable.
This is the spirit behind the National Fundraising Principles recently endorsed across jurisdictions 2 years ago. They boil the whole system down to a set of sensible expectations: treat donors with respect, explain the purpose of the appeal, be upfront about costs, protect personal information and make opting out simple.
These principles replace a confusing maze of state and territory rules with something charities can navigate easily and donors can understand instantly. For donors, they provide clarity. For charities, consistency. And for policymakers, the rare joy of a reform that required less regulation rather than more.
PFRA has been part of strengthening that environment over the past decade. Your work has centred on helping ensure face-to-face fundraising is carried out professionally and courteously. That has included building standards, engaging with councils and shopping centres, supporting training, monitoring practice and helping address problems early. That work has been practical and valuable. It has contributed to a culture where fundraisers feel supported, and the community feels respected.
My congratulations to Peter Hills-Jones and the PFRA team for helping to create a space where fundraisers and charities can work together. By fostering consistency and encouraging accountability, PFRA has helped maintain public confidence in a fundraising method that remains essential for many charities.
At the same time, the fundraising landscape is evolving quickly. Digital platforms are reshaping how people discover and support causes. Younger donors expect fast engagement, real transparency and the ability to support something meaningful between ordering a coffee and catching a bus. Subscription giving, micro-donations and online peer-to-peer fundraising are all part of the mix. But face-to-face fundraising continues to provide something unique: the chance for 2 people to share a moment of connection, to talk about a cause, and to imagine how a contribution can make a meaningful difference.
The next decade will involve bringing these worlds together. Blending that personal connection with the convenience and reach of digital tools. Ensuring strong standards for both traditional and emerging fundraising methods. Supporting charities to adapt while still holding fast to values of respect, clarity and honesty. And continuing to champion the idea that good fundraising is not only about revenue, but about building public trust and strengthening community ties.
So as we celebrate PFRA's 10 years, we also celebrate the wider ecosystem it supports: the fundraisers who brave sun, rain, and the occasional suspicious glare; the donors who give because they care and the charities that turn those contributions into lifesaving, life-changing work across Australia. PFRA's first decade shows that steady, thoughtful stewardship can make a real difference.
Here's to the next 10 years of confident fundraising, a strong culture of public trust, and ever-growing generosity across our community.
