Anglicare Australia is opposing moves to regulate or cut back on the advocacy work of charities.
“The best use of tax deductible donations is the support of advocacy by charities and community sector organisations,” Acting Executive Director of Anglicare Australia Roland Manderson said.
Mr Manderson was responding to Treasury proposals that would require charities to report on their advocacy activities.
“If people want to support our work for a better and fairer world, out of their own pocket, that’s one of the best ways they can make a difference. Tax deductibility is about people supporting advocacy as a vital part of our democracy.
“There’s no shortage of tax deductible advocacy flowing into business, industry, unions, and political parties. That’s why it’s so easy for people with a material interest to get their voices heard.
“But when it comes to the public good, it’s charities and other not for profit organisations that push for the change we need.
“It’s a bad move to limit tax deductible donations to the provision of essential service in Australia. That really should the responsibility of governments, after all.
“That work is important, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of people and community organisations working together to inform public debate – and play a part in decision-making that shapes our world,” Mr Manderson said.
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