Based on the sector's pre-budget submission to the Federal Government, we're taking the message to Canberra.

Together with our friends at Social Traders, Social Enterprise Australia have organised a social enterprise breakfast event at Parliament House on March 27. 

The event will focus on the contribution social enterprise makes to Australia, the challenges it can help with, and the offer and ask to work with the Federal Government to unlock further impact.

Currently, 18 MPs and 10 senior Government staff have said they're coming.

People from the social enterprise sector - the state peaks (including QSEC), other intermediaries, practitioners, and philanthropy - will also join the conversation.

What will we say, in short?

Australia faces social, environmental and economic challenges that demand new responses.

The social enterprise sector can help.

However, social enterprise sits between traditional business and charity, so many fall through the gaps in the supports that exist. It does the job of both without the enablers of either. As a result, it is not realising its potential.

We seek a social enterprise national strategy to change this; one co-designed and powered by a partnership between the sector and Government.

We see this as being challenge-led, focusing on national priorities where social enterprise can make a big contribution.

We see the strategy being underpinned by data and certification. Dependent on these things, we also see it incorporating social procurement, access to finance, outcome payments, and capability building.

QSEC will be following up with local MPs on return to help spread the word about the advantage social enterprise creates for our communities.