ATO Consultation paper: 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."

If you think that your non-profit might be affected by changes to the definition of charity then you should really consider having your say and putting in a submission.

Full details on how to comment on the consultation paper, and to view the paper can be found at - A definition of charity on the Treasury website.

The closing date for submissions is Friday 9 December 2011.