Bill Debate · In Committee
Senate · Wednesday 11 March 2026
Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia
The Senate debated opposition amendments to remove Equality Australia from the list of deductible gift recipients, which the government opposed, citing the organisation's role in supporting LGBTIQ+ wellbeing. Greens senators raised concerns about the exclusion of animal welfare groups from DGR status and questioned whether charities were funding illegal Israeli settlements. The government maintained that existing regulatory frameworks addressed conduct issues and that DGR categories were being reformed based on Productivity Commission recommendations. The opposition amendments were defeated, and the bill progressed.
The amendments were defeated and the bill was reported back to the Senate.
Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.
Opened the debate
Chandler moved amendments to oppose the inclusion of Equality Australia as a deductible gift recipient. Chandler argued that the organisation failed to meet the standards required for public benevolent institutions. The coalition contended that Equality Australia was primarily an advocacy group rather than a charity deserving of tax-deductible status.
Government response
Gallagher opposed the amendments, stating that Equality Australia had undergone the same process as other listed organisations and contributed significantly to community wellbeing. Gallagher explained that the government was guided by Productivity Commission recommendations to reform the DGR system methodically rather than adding categories piecemeal. Gallagher noted that animal welfare organisations could apply for status if they met existing criteria and that charities were already bound by governance standards regarding lawful conduct.
Shoebridge questioned why animal welfare groups, particularly those involved in wildlife rehoming and advocacy, were excluded from DGR status. Shoebridge highlighted the work of Wildlife Recovery Australia and Animals Australia, arguing that the government should support organisations addressing animal cruelty and disaster relief. Shoebridge urged the government to support amendments widening DGR eligibility to include these groups.
Allman-Payne raised concerns that Australian charities were funnelling tax-deductible funds to illegal Israeli settlements and the Israel Defense Forces. Allman-Payne cited reports indicating significant financial transfers to entities linked to settlement expansion and military support. Allman-Payne asked whether the government would support an amendment to revoke DGR status from organisations supporting illegal occupations.
Whitten supported the opposition amendments, arguing that Equality Australia was a lobbying group rather than a benevolent institution. Whitten claimed the organisation promoted radical gender ideology and sought to remove protections for religious schools. Whitten noted that previous regulatory bodies and courts had rejected Equality Australia's application for DGR status.
Green opposed the amendments, sharing personal testimony about how Equality Australia had assisted her family. Green criticised the Liberal Party for engaging in culture wars and aligning with One Nation on this issue. Green argued that the organisation played a vital role in reducing discrimination and supporting mental health within the LGBTIQ+ community.
McKim associated himself with Green's comments, emphasising the importance of supporting trans children and rejecting the demonisation of transgender people. McKim argued that trans identity is not a choice and that vulnerable members of the community required protection and respect. McKim condemned the efforts of One Nation to target trans individuals through political rhetoric.