Government Examines Corporate Philanthropy
21 October 2010 at 3:03 pm
Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Treasurer, Wayne Swan has commissioned a report into how business and industry can better support Australian charities.
The Federal Labor MP for the seat of Melbourne, Michael Danby has been appointed to the new role of Special Adviser to the Deputy PM on Corporate Philanthropy and the Not For Profit Sector
A spokesman for the Deputy PM says Danby will spend the next few months consulting with business and Not for Profit organisations and advise the Deputy PM and the Assistant Treasurer on the outcomes of those discussions.
Danby's written report is expected to be completed by mid-2011 and will look at ways to promote a greater contribution by business to the NFP sector.
About two-thirds of all Australian businesses are involved in some form of philanthropy, which is said to not only benefit others but improve a company's staff morale and public image.
Corporate Philanthropy is only part of giving. The government should give all community sector non profit organizations Tax Deductible Gift Recipient Status so that the public is encouraged to support their local communities. The public can make the decision as to who they wish to support with their donations.
I recently asked Senator Stephens if the government is considering this. She said that there have been five different studies into the issue and advised that the definition of a charity that the ATO uses was date 1638. The sad thing is that the Federal Government could implement this measure and does not need to study it and the benefits to local communities would be enoromous. Based on Senator Stephens answers this simple idea is not on anyones list of priorities which is a pity.
Kind Regards
Shaun Sheridan