Media Release - CSSA Welcomes Quick Action on Family Tax Benefits for Charity Workers

Catholic Social Services Australia's Executive Director, Frank Quinlan, said thousands of low paid church and charitable sector workers with families will be relieved by the news that amended legislation has passed through the Parliament today.

Mr Quinlan said after concerns were raised by the ASU, the church and charitable sector, and the not-for-profit sector, the Government moved quickly last week to amend anomalies in legislation put in place under the previous Government which would have seen these workers worse off by up to $50 a week come 1 July this year.

"The Government's amendments to The Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (2008 Budget and Other Measures) Bill 2008 have restored the use of the net reportable fringe benefit in income definitions for Family Assistance.

"We welcome the commitment of the Government, the Coalition and the Greens to this issue and to the broader issues affecting the church and charitable sector," Mr Quinlan said.

"The discussions over the past week or so have shed new light on ongoing concerns for the viability of the sector.

"Why is the community sector dependent upon special taxation arrangements, inconsistently applied exemptions and the good will of its workforce for viability?

"Should a sector that is delivering essential services to the most vulnerable members of the community have to rely on the people of good will working for low salaries in programs that are in great demand but never adequately funded?

"Is it in the public interest to allow for-profit providers to extract surpluses from community services that would otherwise be reinvested in much needed programs?

"Under the banner of its Social Inclusion Agenda the new Government has committed to building the viability of the sector.

"We can only hope that the sense of urgency is maintained and that these issues are resolved," Mr Quinlan said.

Catholic Social Services Australia provides services to over a million Australians each year through its 64 member agencies in remote, regional and metropolitan Australia.

26 June 2008

Contact: Judith Tokley 0408 824 306 / 02 6285 1366