Volunteering Queensland submitted a response to the Australian Productivity Commission’s draft report, as part of their inquiry into philanthropy, which they called “Future Foundations for Giving”. In a very positive sign, this draft report repeatedly recognised volunteering as a form of giving that is just as significant as donating money. The key message in VQ’s submission – and in our subsequent appearance in an online public hearing – focused on urging the Commission to consider recommending that reasonable costs of volunteering up to a specified limit be reclaimable as a tax credit or tax deduction. This would not address every aspect of the cost impacts that provide a barrier to volunteering, but it would indicate that the costs of doing volunteer work are recognised.
The details of the Productivity Commission’s inquiry, including access to their reports, all submissions and public hearings, can be found here.