CANBERRA, 12 FEB 2025—Greenpeace Australia Pacific has warned that the Electoral Reform Bill that has just passed the Parliament contains a restriction that will severely curtail the ability of charities to do critical advocacy work during election campaigns.
“The Electoral Reform Bill that has just passed the Senate severely restricts charitable organisations from using their funding to speak out about critical policy issues or to provide independent information and policy analysis during election campaigns. It hinders the ability of independent organisations to hold parties and candidates to account when it matters most,” said Dr Susie Byers, Head of Advocacy, Greenpeace Australia Pacific.
“Charities are an independent voice for progress on issues that affect every aspect of voter’s lives—from climate and energy to education, health, and human rights. Efforts like scorecards and analysis of parties’ policies are essential sources of information on the issues that matter most to all of us.
“The restrictions in the Electoral Reform Bill would force charities to create new and completely separate fundraising streams explicitly for the purposes of advocacy at election time. This administrative complexity and major barrier to fundraising will make campaigning at election time extremely difficult.
“Effectively locking charities out of election campaigns weakens our democracy and paves the way for vested interests to push through harmful policies without scrutiny or accountability from independent actors.
“We are deeply disappointed that what will be one of the last acts of this Parliament is to quiet the voices of millions of Australians who contribute to our community via charitable and non-government organisations.
“Greenpeace Australia Pacific stands with all charities working to advocate for better social, environmental and economic outcomes in our society, and will hold the government to its commitment to work with us to resolve issues for the sector.
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For more information or to arrange an interview please contact Vai Shah on 0452 290 082 or [email protected].
