Philanthropy Australia welcomes the commencement of the Productivity Commission ‘double giving’ review

11 February 2023

Philanthropy Australia welcomes the announcement by the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury that the Productivity Commission review examining ways to boost philanthropic giving has commenced.

Philanthropy Australia CEO, Jack Heath, said this was a watershed moment towards creating a more generous and giving Australia.

‘We were thrilled when the Government first committed to work with the philanthropic, not-for-profit and business sectors to double giving by 2030’, said Mr Heath.

‘This is a huge opportunity for our nation. Doubling giving would unleash tens of billions of dollars in additional support for Australians in need. It would help address our biggest societal challenges including climate change, declining educational outcomes and entrenched disadvantage. It would help secure a better future for First Nations peoples.

‘The timing of this review couldn’t be better – it provides a unique opportunity to achieve a step-change lift in giving across the nation as we emerge from the ravages of COVID. People are yearning for a more inclusive and caring society and this review can map out how philanthropy can make its special contribution in a time of increasing inequality in wealth and incomes.

‘We see key opportunities to extend DGR status, enable bequests from superannuation, foster the growth of community foundations, and undertake a national giving campaign. We look forward to soliciting the views of our members on how philanthropy, business and the for-purpose sector can step-up to the exciting challenge presented by this review.

‘Giving is also about more than direct financial support. It extends to the giving of time, expertise, experience and networks where we all come together around the causes that matter, participate more in our local communities, and work to ensure no one is left behind’, added Mr Heath.

Mr Heath also welcomed the announcement that Krystian Seibert will be an Associate Commissioner, working on the review.

‘Krystian has had a distinguished career devising philanthropy policy in government, in higher education and of course at Philanthropy Australia. He will be a source of deep expertise and innovative policy ideas for the review’, said Mr Heath.

Further comment is available from Philanthropy Australia CEO Jack Heath and Philanthropy Australia’s Government Policy and Research Executive Director Sam Rosevear – please contact [email protected]

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About Philanthropy Australia

Philanthropy Australia is the national peak body for philanthropy. It seeks to inspire more and better philanthropy in its quest for a generous and inclusive Australia. Its growing 800+ membership base includes trusts, foundations, families, individual donors, companies, professional advisers, intermediaries and not-for-profit organisations.