In the run up to the federal election, the Community Council for Australia has released a new report about what is happening to charities on a national and local level.
A major new report from the Community Council for Australia (CCA) that polled 4,601 representative voters reveals there is widespread support for local MPs to achieve key charity sector goals.
Released on 14th April, the Community Perception Survey (Charities) highlights the following key findings:
- 92% believe now is the time for charities to have the staff, volunteers and capacity to offer better services to the community.
- 92% believe it should be easier for people to give to charities and major reforms are needed to do this.
- 91% want experienced and knowledgeable charities to be in the government’s planning or policy priorities.
- 91% want to see productivity and support boosted.
- 86% say the federal government should appoint a minister to look after charities.
“It’s very clear that in marginal electorates, voter support for election candidates is partly about their engagement with charities and support for positive charity policies,” CCA CEO David Crosbie said. “The bottom line is the vast majority of our charities are underfunded, and cost-of-living issues are impacting local charities and community groups in a huge way. Charities also face massive amounts of red tape.”
Across the sector, income rose by 8% only but staffing costs increased by at least 11%. Charities are facing bigger costs to do business, and, unlike small businesses, they get no support for cybersecurity, staff skills development, energy transition, research and development, data use and privacy, capital investment in infrastructure and capacity or climate change adaptation.
“Although charities employ over 10% of Australia’s workforce and turn over more than $200 billion (8% of Australia’s GDP), there is no government department to promote charity productivity, no charity ombudsman, not one federal official outside of the charities regulator whose job is to monitor and promote the sector,” Crosbie noted. “Charities matter to our communities, to our economy, to our productivity and wellbeing, but our issues are not taken seriously, and that needs to change.”
For most marginal electorates surveyed, up to 66% will more likely vote for a candidate who can improve government policy for charities. Also, 51% of undecided voters say this issue would influence the way they vote.
Meanwhile, a huge majority of electors (between 87% and 99%) believe that their MP should encourage the Australian government to work much more closely with charities. On top of this, 65% to 80% want their MP to meet with charity sector representatives.
“These compelling findings clearly demonstrate that in Australia’s marginal electorates, charity policy and the involvement of MPs are absolutely significant factors influencing voters’ decisions. It is clear too that candidates who are very proactive in supporting the charity sector will improve their standing amongst voters, especially swing voters,” Crosbie added.
CCA is an independent, non-political, member-based organisation supporting Australian charities and NFP sector.
Read also: New Survey shows Australians Demand Accountability in Charity
Geraldine is currently the Content Producer for Third Sector, an Akolade channel. Throughout her career, she has written for various industries and international audiences. Her love for writing extends beyond the corporate world, as she also works as a volunteer writer at her local church. Aside from writing, she is also fond of joining fun runs and watching musicals.
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