Redefining NGOs: the emerging debate

In July 2003, the federal government released an exposure draft of legislation (Charities Bill 2003) which seeks to redefine what constitutes a charitable organisation. It also asked the Board of Taxation to conduct a public enquiry to determine the criteria for organisations to be given charitable status. This Current Issues Brief explains the background to the debate on the definition of a charity and notes that there are many issues to be resolved.