Outdated donation laws are holding back animal welfare
Outdated donation laws are holding back animal welfare
Call on Minister Leigh to modernise Australia’s charity laws to align with community values and strengthen animal welfare across Australia.
As a supporter of animal welfare, we know that you want your donation to make the biggest possible difference. But right now, Australia’s donation laws are penalising you and, in doing so, are holding back many charities working to improve the lives of animals.
Under the current tax-deductible gift recipient (DGR) system, registered animal welfare charities that do not provide direct care to animals, including the Australian Alliance for Animals, cannot offer tax-deductible donations. This is not because our work lacks impact, but because advocacy, education, and policy change are not fully recognised under Australia’s charity tax concession system.
As a result, animal charities working to prevent cruelty, improve laws, respond to natural disasters, rescue animals internationally, and educate the community are unfairly excluded from tax-deductible status – even though these activities deliver clear public benefit and reflect how many Australians want to support animal welfare.
Animal welfare is one of the most supported causes in Australia. Yet current laws restrict donor choice, discourage support for work that addresses cruelty at its source, and limit access to major fundraising platforms and giving funds. And donors, charities, and animals are paying the price.
Independent reviews by the Productivity Commission and the Department of Social Services have recommended expanding tax-deductible gift recipient status to include animal welfare advocacy charities. The Labor Government has acknowledged the problem. What’s needed now is follow-through.
By writing to Minister Leigh today, you can help modernise Australia’s charity laws to align with community values and strengthen animal welfare across Australia.
Add your voice. Tell the Government to expand tax-deductible status to all animal welfare charities.
