A group of not-for-profit and philanthropy experts have warned a planned crackdown on charities by the Coalition will muzzle the sector, restrict dissent, and stifle political advocacy. The sector fears the changes are a threat to the right of almost 59,000 registered not-for-profits to engage in political advocacy. The Australian and New Zealand Third Sector Research group has warned the changes are a “massive overreach” and completely unnecessary, given that strong powers are already available to the regulator, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. “Under the latest legislative proposal, Australia’s 59,000 charities could be held responsible for minor legal breaches committed by members or supporters. “The Australian taxpayer subsidises charities through tax concessions, with the expectation the money goes to charitable works, not supporting unlawful behaviour.”

Source: The Guardian May 27, 2021 17:26 UTC