Charitable Organisations: Deductible Gift Recipient Status

Wendy Askew

At the request of Senator Dean Smith, I move:

That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Treasurer, by no later than midday on 27 March 2024, all written or digital correspondence, briefing notes, file notes, or other records of interaction since 1 January 2023, in relation to changes to the deductible gift recipient status of school building funds, or any other changes to the arrangements generally, between:

(a) the Treasurer or his office and the Department of the Treasury;

(b) the Treasurer or his office and the Productivity Commission;

(c) the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury or his office and the Department of the Treasury;

(d) the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury or his office and the Productivity Commission; or

(e) the Treasurer or his office and the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury or his office.

Katy Gallagher

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines

Leave is granted for one minute.

Katy Gallagher

The Productivity Commission is an independent body. As an independent body, it is currently undertaking an inquiry into philanthropy. The inquiry is currently scheduled to report by 11 May 2024. This inquiry has included the release of a draft report for public consultation purposes. The commission has not yet provided its report to government. After it has provided it, it will be considered by the government. The process is ongoing, and the order for the production of documents risks undermining that.

Sue Lines

The question is that general business notice of motion No. 496 moved by Senator Askew at the request of Senator Dean Smith be agreed to.