Budget a triumph for sector advocacy

NZFVWO media release
17 May 2007

Budget a triumph for sector advocacy

The raft of measures announced in today's budget relating to charitable giving have been a long time coming, according to the Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations. The social services umbrella group says that there is still so much more that the sector needs to, and can achieve.

Tina Reid, Executive Director at NZFVWO said:
"Tax breaks on donations has been one of our core issues with government since the late 80s. In the last 12 months we actively sought dialogue with political parties on this issue and we are delighted that these measures have been included in today's budget.

"Today's announcement is a significant triumph for sector led advocacy, and signals a massive shift in the way government relates to the sector. That these measures were announced today demonstrates the extent to which the sector has become organised around issues that are important to it."

This budget also announces a $20m contribution towards developing the Pathways to Partnership Strategy to boost the ability of community organisations to work with government to deliver services that support New Zealand children and families - this is further recognition by government of value of the sectors' contribution in meeting social development objectives.

KiwiSaver is also of great interest to organisations in the sector. But the Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations cautioned that there are many low paid and part time staff who will find it very difficult to contribute to the KiwiSaver scheme.

Tina Reid:
"If the government is serious about supporting the sector for the long term, it will have to address issues broader than today's tax break - such as including rates of pay in a comprehensive way as part of the funding framework for the sector."

ENDS

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