The Queensland Government has today announced the appointment of experienced economist, Ben Gales, to spearhead the state’s first Office of Social Impact.
The Government says the Queensland Treasury Office of Social Impact will identify and amplify the State’s social enterprises and impact investment opportunities.
This includes overseeing a new Social Entrepreneurs Fund, which will provide support for organisations helping Queenslanders in need through investments of $20 million a year for four years from 2025-26.
The Office for Social Impact will establish the Fund as part of a co-design process to deliver a roadmap for impact investing and social enterprise in Queensland.
The roadmap will be developed alongside investors, community, faith groups, philanthropists, corporates and social enterprises, including in collaboration with industry experts who attended Queensland first Social Impact Roundtable and the Philanthropy Roundtable in January.
Queensland Treasurer, David Janetzki said Mr Gales brought extensive international experience.
“Mr Gales’ appointment is the next step in our plan to deliver lasting change through social impact enterprises in Queensland,” Treasurer Janetzki said.
“Mr Gales brings extensive experience in developing and operating social impact organisations from the ground up, and we are thrilled he will be joining us in Queensland.
“The Office of Social Impact has the power to bring transformative change to the for-purpose sector and allow for improved social services for Queenslanders.”
Mr Gales brings decades of experience as a senior public servant, social sector leader and venture capitalist in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
He was responsible for delivering Australia’s first Social Impact Bonds in Australia, in NSW, and oversaw the establishment of the NSW Productivity Commission.
Mr Gales has also served as the Chief Executive Officer of Social Enterprise Finance Australia and has advised the Australian Government.
Since 2022, Mr Gales has served on the executive team of one of Australia’s largest philanthropic organisations, Paul Ramsay Foundation, most recently as Chief Impact Officer.
Mr Gales said it was an exciting opportunity to develop the emerging sector in Queensland.
“The social impact industry has enormous potential to improve outcomes for Queenslanders,” he said.
“The Social Entrepreneurs Fund provides a launching pad for industry to transform their ideas into action and deliver change on the ground where it is needed.
“With this fund and the government-industry collaboration, Queensland will be better armed to tackle important societal challenges across our communities.”
