Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP opens the Reforming Fundraising Regulation Conference by recognising the unique strengths of the nonprofit sector and the critical role that fundraising plays in preserving the independence and innovation of nonprofit organisations. Tanya was elected to the Australian Parliament as the Federal Member for Sydney at the 1998 federal election. In her first speech to House of Representatives, Tanya spoke of her strong interest in social justice and her conviction that ordinary people working together can achieve positive change. Tanya became a Shadow Minister after the 2004 federal election and for the next three years was responsible for a range of portfolios including childcare, work and family, women, youth, human services and housing. Following the election of the Rudd Government in 2007, Tanya was appointed Minister for Housing and Minister for the Status of Women. As Minister for Housing, Tanya delivered a wide ranging reform agenda, including significant new investments in affordable rental housing. Tanya was also responsible for a Homelessness White Paper that set out a comprehensive national strategy to tackle homelessness in Australia. As Minister for the Status of Women, Tanya was responsible for development of the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children. Following the 2010 federal election Tanya was appointed Minister for Human Services and Minister for Social Inclusion. Tanya lives in Sydney with her husband Michael and children Anna, Joseph and Louis. Tanya is fond of bushwalking and 18th Century novels. Robert Fitzgerald was appointed as a full-time Commissioner in January 2004 and been recently reappointed until 2014. Robert is the Presiding Commissioner on the study into the Contribution of the Not for Profit Sector and a Commissioner on the current inquiries into Gambling and Executive Remuneration. He is the convener of the Indigenous Disadvantage Working Group of the Steering Committee for the Review of Government Service Provision, which produces the Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage: Key Indicators report. Robert has a diverse background and extensive experience in commerce, law, public policy and community services. Prior to being appointed to the Commission, Robert was the Community and Disability Services Commissioner and Deputy Ombudsman in NSW. Robert practiced as a commercial lawyer in NSW for over 20 years, including with the firm Clayton Utz, and established his own law practice specialising in franchising, licensing and trade practices. During that same time he was engaged as a senior management consultant, including with Horwath Accountants and Management Consultants (now Deloitte), as well as holding senior executive positions with a number of private trading companies. For over 30 years he has also been involved in a voluntary capacity in numerous community services. He is currently a Director of The Benevolent Society and Foyer Foundation.Robert Fitzgerald will give his presentation on the place of fundraising regulation in the wider Australian nonprofit reform agenda.