As the peak body for philanthropy we actively undertake policy advocacy to support more and better giving in Australia and represent our members on important sector issues. We work closely with Federal and State Governments to develop their understanding of the philanthropic sector, and to promote the development of effective policy frameworks to grow and support giving.
Here are monthly advocacy updates from our team to educate and inform our members and the broader community with resources and further information.
31 May 2022: Philanthropy Australia welcomes the appointment of Dr Andrew Leigh to the charity portfolio
Philanthropy Australia enthusiastically welcomes the appointment of Dr Andrew Leigh as the Labor Government’s Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, following his outstanding leadership in the Shadow Charities portfolio since 2016.
Philanthropy Australia CEO, Mr Jack Heath said: “Dr Leigh has made an outstanding contribution in shaping Labor’s strong platform on charities and philanthropic giving.”
During the election campaign, Dr Leigh announced that an Albanese Labor Government would work together with the philanthropic, for-purpose and business sectors to develop a strategy to double philanthropic giving to Australian charities by 2030.
Mr Heath said “This commitment could be transformative for Australia. Doubling giving would see billions of new dollars flowing into the charitable sector. Ultimately, it means more support for people in greatest need, and more funding to address the greatest challenges our country faces.”
“Dr Leigh has built a deep knowledge of the people and organisations who make up the philanthropic and for-purpose sectors. He understands what it takes for programs to deliver real impact over the long term. He has been a fearless and constant champion of the right to advocate. Dr Leigh has built enormous trust and respect across our sectors.”, said Mr Heath.
Philanthropy Australia looks forward to working with Dr Leigh on the shared endeavour to double giving, drawing on the policy reforms and initiatives in our Election Statement and our Blueprint to Double Giving.
23 May 2022: Congratulations to Anthony Albanese and the new Federal Government, in what was also a good night for the Australian Greens and Independents across Australia.
What does all this mean for the cause of philanthropy?
Since October last year, Philanthropy Australia has been engaging across the Parliament and with the Federal Treasury on our Election Statement, and we’ve received commitments to both of its key elements.
The Result
In the March Budget, the Coalition Government announced historic Community Foundations reforms.
On 7 April, Labor committed to the centrepiece of the PA Election Statement. Dr Andrew Leigh announced an Albanese Government will work with the philanthropic, for-purpose and business sectors to develop a Strategy to double philanthropic giving by 2030.
This is a huge opportunity to create a more generous and giving Australia.
Doubling giving would mean around $13 billion in additional investment each year to address our greatest challenges, like children and families living in poverty, climate change, health, education and justice for Australia’s First Peoples. It would be transformational for our nation.
Relevant links for further information
7 April 2022: On 7 April 2022, the Shadow Assistant Minister for Treasury and Charity, the Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP, announced Labor’s commitment to work with the philanthropic, for-purpose and business sectors to develop a strategy for philanthropy, with the aim of doubling giving in Australia by 2030. This announcement picked up the central element of the Philanthropy Australia Election Statement, released in December 2021.
29 March 2022 - Assistant Treasurer, the Hon Michael Sukkar MP, announces historic community foundations reform in the Federal Budget
In the 2022-23 Federal Budget, the Government announced historic reforms to support community foundations. This picked up a key element of the Philanthropy Australia Election Statement, released in December 2021.
25 February 2022: New Public Ancillary Fund Guidelines Come Into Effect
The new guidelines do not introduce any new regulatory requirements, with concerning changes in the draft guidelines removed. Philanthropy Australia appreciates the responsiveness of Assistant Treasurer, his advisers and the Treasury to our submission and direct representations.
December 2021: Philanthropy Australia releases 2022 Election Statement
In December 2021, Philanthropy Australia released its Election Statement which calls on all political parties and candidates to commit to a grand national initiative – working with Philanthropy Australia and the philanthropic, not-for-profit and business sectors on a policy development process aimed at doubling philanthropic giving by 2030. To give the process momentum, Philanthropy Australia recommended reforms to provide Item 1 DGR status for Community Foundations.
Philanthropy Australia’s Election Statement is available here.
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Philanthropy Australia acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future.
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