Media Release - Regardless of the source, tax changes must not disadvantage the charitable sector

Catholic Social Services Australia's Executive Director, Frank Quinlan, has welcomed the Government's determination to address the negative impact that changes in reportable fringe benefits will have on the community and not for profit sector.

"We encourage a bipartisan effort to resolve these unintended consequences for vulnerable low income families before Parliament rises at the end of next week," Mr Quinlan said.

"We welcome the Government's eagerness to talk to the community sector about a solution.

"We acknowledge that it is an extremely complex problem that will impact on workers and their families, but also the long-term capacity of the community sector to attract and retain high quality staff.

"We concede that the proposed changes are unrelated to this year's Budget, Schedule 6 of the Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (2008 Budget and Other Measures) Bill 2008, as suggested in previous advice and in our media release of 17 June 2008.

"The changes are in fact the result of legislation put in place under the previous government," 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.

18 June 2008

CONTACT            Judith Tokley               02 6285 1366 / 0408 824 306