Registrations now open for Philanthropy Meets Parliament Summit – 24 October 2023 

Philanthropy Australia has today opened general registrations for its ‘Philanthropy Meets Parliament Summit at Parliament House, Canberra on Tuesday 24 October. 

The theme of the one-day event is Government and Philanthropy Working Together to Double Giving. 

Tickets are sure to sell out for the biennial event.

Sam Rosevear, Philanthropy Australia’s Executive Director, Policy, Government Relations and Research, said that this was an unprecedented and exciting time for philanthropy in Australia. 

“The Government has pledged to work with the philanthropic, not-for-profit and business sectors to develop a strategy to double giving to charity by 2030,” Sam said. 

“What’s more, the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into philanthropy is in progress and they will release their draft report in November this year. This creates scope for the Government to develop a ‘double giving’ package of reforms for the May 2024 Budget.  

The response to the Productivity Commission’s inquiry has been huge, with more than 250 submissions made from across the nation.  

“Politicians from all sides of the Parliament are turning their attention to how they can help foster a more generous and giving Australia,” Sam said.   

“This is a huge opportunity. The key now is to seize this momentum, creating a strategy to deliver tens of billions of dollars in additional support for our most critical social and environmental challenges. This will help to create a nation where no one is left behind.” 

Against this backdrop, join Philanthropy Australia at the Philanthropy Meets Parliament Summit to continue the national conversation about doubling giving to charity by 2030. 

Highlights will include: 

• Charities Minister Andrew Leigh and Philanthropy Australia CEO Jack Heath will talk about how the double giving agenda can transform our nation. 
• Kos Samaras, Director of the Redbridge Group, will speak about contemporary public views on giving, revealing the results of national polling and focus groups on the double giving agenda. 

• The Productivity Commission, who will outline the broad directions of their thinking on the eve of the release of their draft report. 
• A lively debate in a panel session involving the Charities Minister, Andrew Leigh, and spokespeople on charity from the Greens – Senator Janet Rice, the Coalition – Senator Dean Smith and a perspective from an Independent MP. 
• A session on the pioneering Investment Dialogue for Australia’s Children, which looks set to create a more powerful way for government and philanthropy to work together to drive social impact; and help create an Australia where all children get a great start in life, and an equal opportunity to thrive. 

There will also be discussions about key elements of the double giving agenda, including the potential of: 

• A National Giving Campaign to expand on our existing generosity of spirit; 
• An expanded network of Community Foundations to empower all Australians to get involving in giving and volunteering in their local community; and 
• Bequests through superannuation, which could radically expand giving in Australia across the 21st century. 

Philanthropy Australia is close to finalising arrangements for additional sessions at the Summit. These will showcase inspiring examples where philanthropy is working closely with government to create a stronger, more inclusive and more generous society.  Stay tuned for more details in the weeks ahead. 

Event details: 

Philanthropy Meets Parliament Summit  

Tuesday, 24 October 2023 

8.00am – 6.30pm AEDT

Parliament House, Canberra