Labor will end the "war" on charities and their advocacy, pledging to bolster the sector in an election promise.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Opposition charities spokesman Andrew Leigh was in the ultra-marginal Liberal seat of Boothby in Adelaide on Friday - held by just 1.4 per cent - where he unveiled a plan to establish an expert panel to help grow the charity sector.
The panel would work to produce a development plan for the sector, and its recommendations would be introduced by a working group.
Dr Leigh blasted Treasurer Josh Frydenberg over his recent "cosying up" to philanthropic organisations following the government's attacks on charities.
It comes after Mr Frydenberg pulled down election ads which featured an endorsement from Guide Dogs Victoria chief executive Karen Hayes.
"The hypocrisy is breathtaking. If Josh Frydenberg really cared about charities he would have fixed fundraising years ago," Dr Leigh said.
"He would have stopped the war on charitable advocacy.
"The fact is, Josh Frydenberg only cares about charities when his own job is on the line."
Dr Leigh said a Labor government would work with the sector, which accounted for eight per cent of the Australian economy and contributed to a "stronger society".
A coalition spokesman said during the pandemic it introduced measures to support charities, including a $200 million package for organisations supplying emergency support and food relief to communities.
"The Morrison government is continuing to support charities as they emerge from the challenges of the pandemic and progress key reforms aimed at reducing red tape on charities, strengthening trust in the sector, and supporting the effectiveness of the ACNC as a regulator," he said.
St Vincent de Paul Society national president Claire Victory said the Labor announcement recognised the role of charities in supporting vulnerable people.
"The best outcomes, as always, are achieved when governments partner with the not-for-profit sector to co-design policies and programs that align with the most urgent needs of the community and make the best use of charities' resources," she said.
The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission last week released a statement warning organisations of their "obligations regarding political advocacy and campaigning" during the federal election.
Australian Associated Press
