Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Give eco-charities a check

By Gary Johns - posted Wednesday, 8 April 2015


In the WWF case, taxpayers are supporting donors to campaign to stop businesses operating lawfully within existing legislation. The more controversial the cause, the less generous should be the privilege afforded to the charity and its donors.

Environmental organisations have described Hawke’s inquiry as an attack on their efforts to protect the environment.

It may well be, but it is more likely an inquiry that will question taxpayer support for non-charitable purposes in matters where many taxpayers would disagree with a charity’s actions.

Advertisement

Charities must be allowed to do their work, but the taxpayer should not be forced to support highly contentious disputes.

Hawke should question the presumption of public benefit in environmental charities. The committee needs to inquire into the charities not only for their practical activities but the extent to which they are publicly beneficial and indeed charitable.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. All

This article was first published in The Australian.



Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

8 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Gary Johns is a former federal member of Parliament and served as a minister in the Keating Government. Since December 2017 he has been the commissioner of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Gary Johns

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Photo of Gary Johns
Article Tools
Comment 8 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy