Oxfam Australia is deeply concerned that the Electoral Reform Bill will restrict the ability of charities, including Oxfam, to advocate on critical issues during election campaigns.
Of major concern for charities is a provision that prevents the use of untied or general donations for use on electoral advocacy. Under the bill, which passed the Senate last night, charities would only be able to incur electoral expenditure using donations received specifically for that purpose.
Lyn Morgain, Oxfam Australia's Chief Executive, emphasised the importance of allowing charities to remain fully engaged in democratic processes, particularly during elections.
"The recently passed Electoral Reform Bill imposes strict limitations on charitable organisations like Oxfam, preventing them from using their funds to voice opinions on important policy matters or offer unbiased information and policy analysis during election campaigns," she said.
"Australian charities play a vital role in our democracy, providing independent policy analysis, educating voters, and pushing for reforms that benefit communities. We offer a unique, non-partisan voice in election debates, bound by law to prioritise the public interest over political alignment.
"We call on lawmakers to ensure that charities can use all their income for electoral advocacy, with transparent disclosure and appropriate limits on donations, in line with public expectations."
