Have your say on the future of philanthropy
23 March 2023 at 11:22 am
The public is being invited to make submissions to the Productivity Commission’s review into philanthropy, signalling another step towards doubling charitable giving by 2030.
The Productivity Commission will open public submissions for its review into Australian philanthropy, inviting the for-purpose sector to contribute insights and information on a range of topics.
The review aims to analyse motivations for charitable giving across the country and identify opportunities for growth, helping to fulfill a federal government election promise to double philanthropy by 2030.
It follows a raft of sector-focused policy reform, including the implementation of a National Volunteering Strategy, legislation to move all Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) categories to the Australian Tax Office, and nationally harmonised fundraising regulations, all of which help to reduce red tape, increase effectiveness and build capacity.
The Productivity Commission is seeking input from the philanthropic, not-for-profit and business sectors, as well as subject matter experts and the broader community including those from diverse backgrounds, on a broad range of issues.
This includes the role and effectiveness of the DGR framework and other tax concessions; emerging risks or regulatory gaps in areas such as cybersecurity; factors to consider in expanding or changing information reporting requirements; and approaches that could be used to attract new donors and different demographics into philanthropy, among other topics.
“Philanthropic giving underpins the crucial efforts of charities, not-for-profit organisations and community groups to support vulnerable Australians and build social capital and connectedness in Australian communities,” reads the submission paper.
“The government is committed to taking this opportunity and will collaborate with the philanthropic, not-for-profit and business sectors to double philanthropic giving by 2030. Identifying and assessing opportunities and obstacles to increasing philanthropic giving will provide a roadmap to achieving this objective.”
Submissions can be made online through the Productivity Commission’s website until 05 May 2023.
A draft report will be released in late November 2023, which will form the basis of public hearings held early next year. The final report is set to be provided to the government by 11 May 2024.
