Australian charities are united in opposing the Federal Government’s attempt to undermine the benefits many Australians receive from philanthropy and to silence their voices.
Among a range of worrying impacts, the proposed legislation would limit funding for life-saving medical research; access to education; the voice and rights of Indigenous Australians; and the ability to sustain and protect our shared natural environment.
Unless common sense prevails, legislation targeting foreign donations to political parties will ban charities that receive international philanthropy from being able to advocate for Australians; for those in need in our region; and on global issues which Australians care about.
There is a categorical difference between donations to political parties and philanthropy for charitable purposes and it would damage the functioning of our democracy if the parliament fails to recognise that.
The public is behind charities
The Federal Government’s proposed ban on charities receiving overseas donations is out of step with public opinion.
Australians overwhelmingly (76%) support charities having a public voice on issues they were established to address and a majority (55%) believe that imposing restrictions on the ability of charities to advocate would result in a silencing of Australians and undermining our democratic principles.
International philanthropy supports Australian giving
International philanthropy to Australia boosts the impact of domestic giving in alleviating hardship, gives voice to those who may otherwise be ignored, and contributes to a brighter future for many Australians.
This is a time in which we should be working together to maximise international philanthropy in Australia, not restrict or ban it.
Advocacy is vital for addressing the causes of social and environmental challenges
Advocacy by charities is often the only way people can be heard and hold politicians to account for decisions that impact their lives.
It is a legitimate and legal activity, crucial in tackling the causes of social and environmental challenges, rather than just their symptoms. Advocacy has made Australia a better and fairer place to live.
Together, Australian charities call on the parliament to exempt registered charities from this legislation; to preserve international philanthropy for Australia, and; to protect charities’ ability to stand up for the interests of communities and the issues they care about.
Signatories to the Statement
350.org
Australian Conservation Foundation
Australian Council for International Development
Australian Council of Social Service
Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network
Bush Heritage Australia
Campaign for Australian Aid
CARE Australia
Caritas Australia
Community Council for Australia
Fred Hollows Foundation
Human Rights Law Centre
Lock The Gate
Oaktree
Oxfam Australia
Pew Charitable Trusts
Philanthropy Australia
RESULTS Australia
Save the Children Australia
TEAR Australia
World Vision Australia
WWF Australia
ENDS
About Polling Results
Polling, conducted by Essential Research, was conducted online from 17-20 November 2017, with a sample size of 1,025 nationally.
| Question / Statement | Total Agree | Total Disagree | Don’t Know |
| Charities should have a public voice on the issues they have been established to address. | 76% | 10% | 14% |
| Restricting advocacy by charities risks silencing the voice of Australian communities, and hindering the operation of our democracy. | 55% | 20% | 25% |
Further Information
Charities and International Philanthropy – a sector position paper by Philanthropy Australia, the Community Council for Australia and the Australian Council for International Development.