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Social responsibilities commission

Government must rule
out attack on charities

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Media Release by Anglicare Australia
Tuesday 15 June 2021

Government must rule out attack on charities

Anglicare Australia is calling on the Government to rule out introducing rules that target charities. This follows media reports that the changes are set to be introduced in the next sitting period.

“The Government is looking at rules that would attack charities – and democracy – in an unprecedented way,” said Executive Director Kasy Chambers.

“The changes will mean that charities could be targeted and shut down for subjective reasons.

“We could be targeted if our Board, staff or volunteers join protests. We could be held responsible for how other people use our materials. We could even be shut down if the Commissioner thinks it’s ‘more likely than not’ that we’ll do something wrong.

“All of this will make it harder for us to do our work – and throw up more red tape when we’re trying to respond to respond to emergencies and disasters.”

Ms Chambers said the changes are designed to target charities.

“These changes won’t stop illegal activity. There are already rules and laws for that. Instead they are designed to stop charity protest and advocacy.

“The consequences are enormous. Our Boards could be stood down, we could be publicly threatened with action, and we could even be shut down. That would hurt the people we serve, leaving them without our help – and without anyone to speak up on their behalf.

“Rules like these would be unthinkable for businesses, but they are the latest in a long line of attacks on charities.

“We’re calling on the Government to rule out these changes and support us in our work – building a better Australia,” said Ms Chambers.

For media enquiries, please contact Maiy Azize on 0434 200 794


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