Today the Productivity Commission has released the draft report of its once‑in‑a‑generation review of philanthropic giving in Australia. The goal of the review is to boost donations to charities and meet the Australian Government’s goal of doubling philanthropic giving by 2030.
The draft report explores the future foundations for giving, focusing on three pillars of reform:
- tax deductible gifts and donations;
- the regulatory system; and
- public information on charities and giving.
Philanthropic giving underpins the crucial efforts of charities to support vulnerable Australians and connect communities.
The review comes at a time when the charity sector is under pressure. The Albanese Government is working to support the sector by:
- starting work on a Blueprint for strengthening the capacity and capability of Australian charities;
- appointing a widely respected head of the Australian Charities and Not‑for‑profits Commission (ACNC), and a new advisory board;
- working with states and territories to harmonise charitable fundraising laws;
- streamlining the process by which charities receive deductible gift recipient status;
- modernising the law to allow the ACNC to discuss ongoing investigations where this is necessary to maintain trust and confidence in the sector;
- carrying out Australia’s largest‑ever charity consultation, to hear how we can support charities and grow the sector.
The Productivity Commission will continue to consult broadly, including with Commonwealth, state and territory governments, the philanthropic, not‑for‑profit and business sectors and the general public. Submissions on the draft report will be open until 9 February 2024 and interested stakeholders are encouraged to provide views.
The final report will be provided to the government in the first half of 2024.
