[Greens-Media] Greens continue work to strengthen not-for-profit sector

[Redman, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

27 June 2013

Greens continue work to strengthen not-for-profit sector

The Charities Bill 2013 has today passed the Senate, with the Greens negotiating key clarifications with the Government to cement in legislation the importance of a vibrant, diverse, independent civil society.
 
"The past year has seen important reforms for the Charities and Not-for profit sector that  play such a pivotal role in our community," Senator Rachel Siewert said today.
 
"These reforms continue with the Charities Definition Bill, which has passed with Greens support after we negotiated a number of improvements to the legislation's Explanatory Memorandum to ensure the key provisions of the Bill are clear, such as the right to advocacy.
 
"This Bill reforms the definition of a charity, which is an important modernisation that better reflects today's society and ensures the charities meeting the needs of today's society are adequately catered for in legislation.
 
"Importantly, the Bill recognises the right for charities to advocate, ensuring that all charities can undertake advocacy as a legitimate activity, without the threat of losing their charitable status.
 
"There were some concerns that current work in the housing affordability area is not recognized by the Bill, but I have sought assurances that this will continue to be possible under this Bill. 
 
"Charities make critical contributions to the public policy debate, particularly on behalf of marginalised and vulnerable members of the community. The Greens are committed to ensuring that the not-for-profit sector cannot be subject to harassment in the way that they were during the Howard years simply because they speak out against bad legislation and pursue better policy.
 
"The Greens are committed to a strong, independent, enduring Charities and Not-for-profit sector," Senator Siewert concluded.