[Greens-Media] Charities need a hand on tax status

[Twomey, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

Charities need a hand on tax status

The Greens warn that the role of charities in providing for the
disadvantaged is being undermined. 

"If the government wants to continue to use charities to deliver welfare
services it needs to act quickly to protect their tax-free status," said
Senator Rachel Siewert

 "It can't have its cake and eat it too." 

Senator Rachel Siewert, The Greens spokesperson on community services,
called on the Government to resolve the crisis facing the not-for-profit
sector.

"Increasingly government has been outsourcing welfare to not-for-profit
organisations, resulting in improved delivery and a better bottom-line"
she said.

However a recent Victorian Supreme Court decision indicates that
government funding of on-the-ground welfare programs could result in the
ATO removing their tax-free status. 

"The core issue in the Victorian decision is that of independence - if
government has too much influence on these organisations they will no
longer be considered charities," said Senator Siewert 

"Government is undermining the role of charities as advocates for the
community, by attempting to have undue influence, using tied finding to
stifle criticism and gag dissent,"

"The Greens believe this advocacy role is crucial to the functioning of
civil society," said Senator Siewert.

"The answer is a model of government funding that preserves the
independence of community organisations".


For more information or comment call 

> Chris Twomey
> Personal Advisor
> Senator Rachel Siewert
Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia
> WA office: 08 9228 3277 Canberra: 02 6277 3587
> mobile: 0407 725 025
www.rachelsiewert.org.au

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