Non-Profit News Service No. 0346 - Consultation paper released: A definition of charity

On 28 October 2011, the Assistant Treasurer and the Minister for Human Services and Social Inclusion announced the release of the consultation paper, A definition of charity.

Some extracts from the joint media release No. 143 are included below:

The Government is seeking the views of charities and other stakeholders on a definition of charity and charitable purposes. The consultation builds on a range of previous inquiries including the 2001 Report of the Inquiry into the Definition of Charities and Related Organisations, the Charities Bill 2003 and recent court decisions including the High Court's decision in Aid/Watch Incorporated v the Commissioner of Taxation.

As this is the first round of consultation on this issue, the Government is seeking important feedback from the community. The Government wants to hear from the sector about how a single definition can best serve the needs of not-for-profits and their clients, as well as encourage charitable giving.

For information about how to comment on the consultation paper, and to view the paper, refer to Consultation paper - A definition of charity on the Treasury website.

The closing date for submissions is Friday 9 December 2011.

All of Treasury's not-for-profit reform resources can now be accessed via a single web page.

Visit their website at www.treasury.gov.au - then select 'Not-for-profit reform' under the heading 'Business'.

This page provides:

• updates on the progress of not-for-profit reforms through the Treasury newsletter
• details of public consultations
• links to related media releases, speeches, and previous reviews and inquiries into the not-for-profit sector.

For information about the Non-Profit News Service, including how to subscribe and links to previous articles, see About the Non-Profit News Service. We encourage your feedback and suggestions for future topics to be covered by the news service. You can do this by: emailing us at npc-publications@ato.gov.au phoning us on 1300 130 248.