Controversial Tax Status Sparks Debate
CANBERRA — The Liberal Party has supported legislation granting tax-deductible status to Equality Australia, a move that has sparked significant debate. This development follows a Senate committee report recommending the legislation, which was unopposed by the Liberals.
Equality Australia, an activist group advocating for LGBTQA+ rights, is set to receive Deductible Gift Recipient status, allowing it to access taxpayer-funded benefits. This decision was backed by the Albanese Government and has now been supported by the Liberal Party, according to Family First National Director Lyle Shelton.
Political and Social Reactions
Equality Australia has faced previous rejections from regulatory bodies, including the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and the Federal Court, as a Public Benevolent Institution. Shelton argues that the group, which campaigns for gender affirming care and legal actions affecting religious freedoms, should not receive taxpayer-funded advantages.
The decision has also prompted Shelton to call for the resignation of Governor General Sam Mostyn as patron of Equality Australia, citing concerns over political impartiality. He emphasised the need for Family First’s perspective in Australian politics to counteract what he views as a radical political movement.
Source: newshub.medianet.com.au
Last updated: 2 April 2026, 4:34 pm
