20 October 2008
Op shops: Now more than ever?
Listen Now - 20102008 |Download Audio - 20102008
Op shops have lined the streets of Australia for more than 50 years, in various shapes and sizes. From the tiny store run by your local parish to the bigger charity chains of St Vincent de Paul Society and Lifeline, traditionally, they existed to serve community members in need. But more recently, with retro and vintage topping the latest fashion trends, we have seen op shops become increasingly market savvy and a range of expensive second-hand boutiques emerge.
The op shop industry is booming under Australia's not-for-profit sector. But some of these activities are now under the spotlight, with a Senate inquiry into the disclosure regimes of charities and not-for-profit organisations. The inquiry was prompted by a Choice magazine survey, which found that philanthropists and some charities see a need for greater accountability and transparency across the sector.
Guests
Mark Lyons - professor of social economy at the University of Technology, Sydney
Jonathan Campton - research officer for St Vincent de Paul Society
Enza Gandolfo - writer and lecturer in professional writing at Victoria University, Melbourne
Sue Dodd - visual artist and lecturer in creative arts at Victoria University, Melbourne
Further Information
Senate Inquiry into the Disclosure regimes for charities and not-for-profit organisations
Inventory: on op shops by Sue Dodd and Enza Gandolfo
Presenter
Paul Barclay
Story Researcher and Producer
Amy Simmons
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