In its ‘Building Capacity, Building Community’ election commitment, Labor undertook to “unlock additional support for organisations that lift the vulnerable, address disadvantage and enrich our communities”.
DetailsThe Senate Cost of Living Committee today heard evidence from witnesses that Australians are facing higher prices and higher mortgages, with only 8 per cent of economists positive about the economy this year.
DetailsTwo leading South Australian charities have identified excessive red tape and complex regulatory frameworks as key issues to be tackled in 2023.
DetailsI extend my warmest wishes to the Federation of Indian Associations of WA Inc (FIAWA) and the broader Indian community, both in Western Australia and nationally, on the special occasion of Australia Day and Indian Republic Day. The significance that 26 January is a day of national importance for both Australia and India is never lost on me. Each year, it is a unique opportunity to celebrate the two as one, reflecting on our shared values and achievements. I am very grateful for the invitation to join your joint celebration event this year and sorry that other commitments will prevent me attending in person. The event’s theme of ‘Reflect, Respect, Celebrate’, words which describe exactly how we should approach and commemorate our national days and the proud traditions they represent, deserve a special mention. With more than 77,000 people of Indian ancestry living in Western Australia, I pay tribute to the outstanding contribution the Indian Community makes to the life and commerce of our wonderful State. I acknowledge the impressive and supportive work done by FIAWA over the last three years, providing assistance to so many in need. Your generosity makes a remarkable difference. Congratulations again to all members of FIAWA for organising this event, and those celebrating with you. I know it will be a great success. Very best wishes, Dean Smith
DetailsChristmas has come and gone, but the challenges confronting Australian charities have snowballed into 2023. Charities offering critical support face growing demand – largely due to the cost-of-living crisis, but also the effects of natural disasters across the country. Operators are battling to meet this demand in an environment characterised by climbing operating costs and reduced donations. Those providing food relief services are among the worst impacted. OzHarvest founder Ronnie Kahn noted that, “In the last four to six months, with the cost-of-living rise, we have seen a 50 to 70 percent increase in demand for our services.” The ABC recently reported Loaves and Fishes Tasmania, which offers a meal program to those in need, has gone from paying around 50 cents per meal to as much as $4. This has coincided with a reduction in the donations of fresh produce the charity receives, forcing it to buy these supplies at elevated prices instead. The Australian Bureau of Statistics released data this week showing a 7.3 percent increase in inflation over the year to November, up from a 6.9 percent increase in October. Significantly, there was a 9.4 percent increase in the cost of food and non-alcoholic beverages over the year to November. Coalition charities spokesman Senator Dean Smith said the Australian charity and not-for-profit sector is caught in a perfect storm. “This is a brutal cycle: inflated essential goods and services prices resulting in a greater need for charitable support, but the same economic conditions causing both reduced donations and higher operating costs for charities,” Senator Smith said. “The natural disasters impacting many Australian communities, including those that have devastated the West Kimberley in the first weeks of 2023, have been an aggravating factor – more demand for charity services, and direct and indirect inflationary effects. “What is missing from this equation is a detailed cost of living assistance plan from the Anthony Albanese, Jim Chalmers and Labor. “We are also yet to see any effective action taken to address inflation. “The Albanese Government’s New Year’s resolution should be a simple one – to give the charity sector that serves Australians with such commitment and determination the support it deserves.” ENDS
DetailsThe cost of living crisis brings a new urgency to addressing insurance prices in Northern Australia and high cyclone risk areas.
DetailsIt’s the season of giving, but this year many can’t afford to. With the spiralling cost of living stretching household budgets to the limit this Christmas, many Australian families who previously contributed to charities will instead be relying upon them. New Salvation Army research reveals more than two million Australians will be reaching out to charities for support this festive season. It found that 99 percent of its clients are worried about how they will pay for Christmas, while six in 10 will struggle to afford presents for their children. The Salvation Army’s Major Bruce Harmer said the not-for-profit organisation was experiencing a “tsunami of need” and is deeply concerned to hear about the agonising choices everyday Australians are being forced to make. Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury Senator Dean Smith echoed these concerns as Christmas approaches. “Cost of living pressures are bearing down on Australians right across the nation – whether it’s at the bowser or the supermarket, or paying their rent,” he said. “At a time when people should be enjoying themselves with family and friends, they are instead having to face some very harsh realities. “This is compounded by a lack of adequate cost of living support from the Albanese Government, whose recent Budget let down struggling Australians.” Foodbank, Australia’s largest food relief organisation, reports that people are seeking help earlier than usual, as surging costs combine with the usual end-of-year demands on family budgets. CEO Brianna Casey said the organisation has also seen a noticeable shift in the types of people needing assistance – noting many customers have never needed food relief before. Western Australian suicide prevention service Lifeline WA has been swamped with financial distress calls, again prompted by mounting cost of living pressures. The organisation recently revealed it received close to 290 calls, texts and web chats from Western Australians in distress every day in November, representing the busiest month in Lifeline WA’s history. A total of 8,647 crisis alerts across 30 days was an increase of 66 percent compared to November last year. “Charities are on the frontline of support for the most vulnerable in our communities,” Senator Smith said. “As the cost of living crisis continues, the need for these support services is rising rapidly. “A meaningful plan to ease these pressures, rather than spin and broken promises, is required. “That’s what Anthony Albanese should be doing for Australians this Christmas.” Meanwhile, Senator Smith called on Australians doing it tough to share their experiences by making a submission to the Senate Cost of Living Committee. “Prior to holding hearings around Australia next year, we want to hear from as many people as possible about the challenges they are facing and what we can most effectively do to assist them,’ he said. ENDS
DetailsA new Parliamentary friendship group, comprised of Federal Parliamentarians from different political orientations, has been formed to champion Australian charities and not-for-profit organisations. Although they play a critical role in assisting communities and represent the spirit of giving that defines the Australian character, charities and not-for-profits are too easily – and too often – overlooked. The Parliamentary Friends of the Charitable, Not-for-Profit and Philanthropic Community has recently been established to address this situation, and to showcase the sector’s vital work across our country and the world. Co-Chaired by WA Senator Dean Smith, the Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, and Tasmanian Senator Catryna Bilyk, the Group will provide a platform for the sector to maximise its Parliamentary engagement. Charities, not-for-profit and philanthropic groups can use the Group to launch key reports, strategies and other initiatives. Senator Smith said he was delighted to be part of establishing this much-needed Group. “Charities and not-for-profit organisations improve the lives of millions of people every day,” he said. “Whether it is responding to floods, bushfires or other natural disasters, or emerging from an unprecedented global pandemic, Australia is incredibly well served by its charities, not-for-profits and other philanthropy. “This Group has been set up to increase awareness of the issues facing the sector and lead a national discussion on addressing them.” Senator Catryna Bilyk said the vital function of charities and not‑for‑profits has been highlighted by the COVID pandemic, recent flood and fire natural disasters, and the cost‑of‑living crisis. “Charities and not‑for‑profits are being squeezed at both ends—facing emerging challenges engaging volunteers and donors while the demand for their services is increasing,” Senator Bilyk said. “In the face of these challenges, it is important for our Federal parliamentarians to work together across party lines to find new and innovative ways to support charities and not‑for‑profits as they navigate this rapidly changing landscape.” The most recent ACNC Australian Charities Report shows total revenue in the charity sector rose to $176 billion – an increase of $10 billion on the previous year. And the sector remains hugely important economically, employing almost 1.4 million people – or 10.5 percent of all employees in Australia. “The generosity of Australians in recent times, both as donors and volunteers, has been remarkable,” Senator Smith said. “But many challenges remain, both for the sector and the Australian and global communities they assist, and we must do all we can to support our charities and not‑for‑profits as they navigate them.” “Australians pride themselves on values such as mateship, egalitarianism and ‘going for the underdog’,” Senator Bilyk said. “It is vital that we maintain a strong charities and not-for-profits sector if we want to live in a world that is caring and socially connected. “Having a Parliamentary friendship group for this sector recognises the vital role it has in upholding the values that Australians hold dear.”
DetailsI regret my inability to attend today’s important rally and I commend you all for your attendance and your solidarity with the brave Iranian protesters.
DetailsOn 9 November 2022, the Director of Tuart Place, Dr Philippa White, has provided an update on the campaign to ‘Save Tuart Place’.
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