Charities Minister backs charities and community building

In December 2023, Charities Minister, Andrew Leigh made a speech to parliament outlining the significant contribution that charities made to Australia.

He noted that modern Australia couldn't function without charities. He also discussed the various ways they run and improve our daily lives, providing support, services and community events.

The minister noted that the charities and non-profit sector employs more than 10% of the population. Noting that the war on charities by the previous government had ended, he outlined seven initiatives to rebuild the relationship with charities, and collaborate with the sector to build community:

1. Australia’s largest ever charity consultation

2. Initiated a once-in-a-generation Productivity Commission review of philanthropy, to help meet our goal to double philanthropy by 2030

3. A blueprint for strengthening the capacity and capability of Australian charities

4. The appointment of a new head of the Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission, and a new advisory board

5. Amending the legislation to allow the Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission to discuss ongoing investigations where it’s necessary to maintain trust and confidence in the sector

6. Continuing to work with the state and territory governments to harmonise charitable fundraising laws

7. Streamlining the process by which charities receive deductible gift recipient status, by bringing four groups of organisations - environmental organisations, harm prevention charities, cultural organisations and overseas aid organisations - under the administration of the tax office, alongside the other 48 tax deductibility categories