ACT Minister for Community Services Joy Burch today launched the updated Social Compact, a key statement of understanding about the relationship between the ACT Government and the community sector.

Ms Burch said the Social Compact promotes the ACT Government and community sector's shared vision of a community where all people reach their potential, make a contribution and share the benefits of an inclusive community.

"Each sector plays a crucial yet distinct role in our community, therefore an effective working relationship between Government and community groups is essential to achieving our goals," Ms Burch said.

"This updated Social Compact will continue to progress the joint work of the sectors and ensure that the relationship is relevant and continues to improve outcomes for our community.

"I would like to credit the work of the Joint Community Reference Group, whose input into the revised Compact has ensured that this framework truly represents both sectors."

The Social Compact was first released in 2004. The collaborative framework between the Government and community sector includes the principles and guiding standards for working together.

"The ACT Government values the work the community sector undertakes and is actively working to strengthen the community sector.

"In another recent initiative, the ACT Government committed funding to increasing salary costs for community sector organisations that deliver programs through agreements with the ACT Government, to ensure equal remuneration for community sector workers."

The Social Compact can be found on the ACT Government Time to Talk website: http://timetotalk.act.gov.au/social-compact/