Andrew Leigh

CHRIS BOWEN MP, SHADOW TREASURER 

ANDREW LEIGH MP, SHADOW ASSISTANT TREASURER

NEWS REPORT OF ‘SECRET EXEMPTION’ IS RIDICULOUS AND WRONG

Today’s report in the Daily Telegraph of a ‘secret exemption’ for union-aligned not-for-profit bodies is plain wrong.

The so-called 'secret' exemption is so secret that it was clearly outlined in the original media statement and accompanying factsheet that charities and not-for-profit institutions would be exempt from the dividend imputation reforms.

From the original media release announcing the reforms:

“Charities and not-for-profit institutions, such as universities, are exempt from these changes.”

Some secret!

Is anyone seriously suggesting that these charities should be covered by the policy?

Not-for-Profit peak body, Justice Connect said in welcoming Labor’s exemption of charities that it was “good to see party thinking of NFP sector up front!”

Charities are already under enough pressure thanks to the ongoing war on charities being waged by the Turnbull Government, which wants to bury the sector in unnecessary paperwork.

The Daily Telegraph asked Labor prior to publication if there were any Liberal-aligned groups that would be exempt from Labor’s dividend imputation reforms.

The following list (including some conservative-linked organisations) was provided but not published by the Daily Telegraph:

- Centre for Independent Studies
- Centre for Entrepreneurial Research and Innovation
- Amy Gillett Foundation
- Catholic Social Services Australia
- Australian Conservation Foundation
- UNICEF
- World Vision
- Caritas Australia
- RSPCA
- Salvation Army
- Mission Australia
- Paul Ramsey Foundation Ltd

WEDNESDAY, 21 MARCH 2018

Authorised by Noah Carroll ALP Canberra