Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Senator Ursula Stephens, says the Rudd Government’s Fringe Benefits Tax decision is another strong indication of the Government’s commitment to the not-for-profit sector.
"As part of the Federal Government’s Social Inclusion agenda, we are dedicated to a new era of partnership with the not-for-profit sector," Dr Stephens said.
"The Government will continue to find new ways to support and promote the crucial work of the staff and volunteers within the sector in helping disadvantaged Australians.
"I would like to thank many of those in the sector who brought this very important issue to the Government’s attention," Dr Stephens said.
Under several of the Howard Government’s 2006 Budget measures to change fringe benefit tax arrangements, employees in the not-for-profit sector would have lost up to $100 a fortnight.
The Government will move urgent amendments in the Senate next week to protect not-for-profit workers from being worse off.
"Our ambitious Social Inclusion policy agenda will provide opportunities for all Australians to access education, employment, social opportunities and to maximise participation in all aspects of Australian life," said Dr Stephens.
"Without a strong and vibrant not-for-profit sector working as our partners, we will be unable to deliver these social inclusion priorities.
"As part of the Government’s commitment to build a strong relationship with the sector based on respect and partnership, we are working to develop a Compact with the sector.
"We want to ensure the sector can maintain and build on its core business of empowering individuals, changing lives, building communities from within and being a voice for the voiceless," Dr Stephens said.
"It is imperative that the Opposition supports the Government’s amendments so they can be passed in the Parliament next week," Dr Stephens said.