FED: ALP accused of denying charities a $75 million windfall

AAP General News (Australia)
12-12-1999
FED: ALP accused of denying charities a $75 million windfall

The Federal government has accused Labor of denying the charity sector a $75 million
windfall by blocking tax incentives for corporate philanthropy.

Family and Community services Minister JOCELYN NEWMAN condemed Labor's failure to support
corporate philanthropy legislation before the end of year session of the Senate.

She says it was a cynical political stunt by Labor which leaves charities in limbo.

But Labor treasury spokesman SIMON CREAN says the government could have supported the
opposition's amendments to get the legislation through.

He says amendments proposed by Labor would have made sure so called charities such as
the Greenfeilds Foundation could not receive tax deductable corporate donations that could
then be used for the benefit of the Liberal Party.

The Bill, which is not part of the New Tax System reforms, turns the spotlight back
on Labor after the government was forced last week to make substantial concessions to
charities on the application of the GST.

AAP RTV rmg/arb

KEYWORD: TAX ( CANBERRA)

1999 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.