Workplace Giving Sector Welcomes New Federal Budget Enhancing ACNC Transparency

Leading workplace giving advocate Workplace Giving Australia welcomes the outcomes from the 2023-24 Federal Government budget and the Government’s pledge to improve the lives of the vulnerable and those in need. It is also pleased that the Government will invest $2.9 million to enable increased disclosure of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission’s regulatory activities to enhance transparency and accountability in the charity sector and encourage evidence-based policy directed at a local level to deliver measurable success.

Workplace Giving Australia CEO David Mann said that engaging Australian workers to give through their place of work increases philanthropic giving, makes giving part of everyday life and supports communities within the workplace:

“We are heartened that the Federal Government is moving to positively impact the outcomes for those in need and to support community projects. Greater transparency and accountability encourage businesses and workforces to give with confidence that their efforts and contributions are being used for their intended purposes. Harnessing the combined power of corporate philanthropy with the 13.8 million strong Australian workforce has the strength to change the landscape not only for charities but for the community more broadly while making better workplaces for the workforce.” said Mann

On behalf of Australia’s corporate giving sector, and as part of the ongoing One Million Donors campaign to enable corporations and their staff to support charities through giving at work, Workplace Giving Australia pledges to continue to work with the Federal Government and Minister of the day to:

• Champion opt-out workplace-giving provisions through an addition to the Fair Work Act to remove a perceived barrier to employers implementing workplace giving;
• Advocate for an Australian-wide campaign to promote awareness to all Australian employees of the benefits of workplace giving and create the expectation for employers to provide programs in the workplace.

“With over 70% of employees reporting that they want to work for an organisation that support charities, there are obvious benefits to employers who are genuinely wanting to create great places to work, enabling and promoting workplace giving benefits to the workers, the business, charities and the wider community.”

Mann said the value of the workplace giving industry to the Australian economy delivered real value to future government investment: “As a sector voice, we are committed to enabling Australian charities to partner with all employer organisations, large or small, and government departments. In so doing, they will connect with their workforces. Success provides not-for-profit organisations the ability to tap into a source of crucial donations, fundraising, volunteering and other corporate support.”

David goes on to say: “Increasing the uptake of workplace giving will expand donations and support to charities and build stronger communities while providing broader business and economic benefits. Ongoing investment in workplace giving will allow charities to adapt to significant challenges locally and internationally. From a government perspective, this funding also represents the potential for a significant return on investment to all Australian communities.”