MEDIA RELEASE: Charities urge the government to protect their voices now.
103 Australian charities have urged the Albanese government to protect vibrant democratic civil society voices within the first year of the 48th parliament. Members and supporters of the Stronger Charities Alliance called on the government via an open letter to fulfil its long-standing commitment to the sector by legislating three simple, non-controversial and budget-neutral measures.
The proposed measures would:
- Recognise that advocacy benefits the public
- Prohibit government officers from restricting the voices of charities receiving government funding, and
- Require the merit-based and transparent appointment of the Commissioner of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).
A sector-led reform roadmap commissioned by the government, the Not-For-Profit Sector Development Blueprint, released late last year, endorsed these measures for implementation within the first year of its release.
“Charities are the glue that holds our communities together while also providing essential services to people in distress. We also represent communities through our advocacy for better policy outcomes that address societal problems and strengthen our democracy.”, said Hassan Mirbahar, Coordinator of the Stronger Charities Alliance.
“The attacks on charities may have stopped - for now - but they could return. That is why the proposed measures must be prioritised. Without legislated protections, our ability to speak up for the public good is left at the mercy of the politics of the day. Charitable advocacy makes Australia fairer - it’s time the law recognised and protected this.” he added
“Charities are an essential part of Australian democracy – our advocacy enriches it during and outside elections, leading to better policy outcomes and a more engaged community. We appreciate that the Albanese Government knows this well, and have constructively engaged with our sector through their first term. We call on them to use this opportunity to make it absolutely clear in legislation that charitable advocacy is not just welcome but essential. At a time when civil society and democracy are under stress globally, the enactment of these protections will send a clear message that Australia stands in support of democracy at home and abroad”, said Saffron Zomer, Executive Director of Australian Democracy Network.
Media contact:
Hassan Nasir Mirbahar, Coordinator Stronger Charities Alliance, 0406 548 175
