Financial hardship and inclusion

A private Members Bill, the Tax Laws Amendment (Incentivising Food Donations to Charitable Organisations) Bill 2024 (the Bill), was introduced to the Senate. The Bill would establish a Food Donation Tax Offset, which would better support donations of food to charitable organisations.

As a major provider of emergency relief, and food relief throughout the country, The Salvation Army is highly supportive of the Bill. Our experience shows that there is a significant need for food relief, be that hampers, emergency relief or community meals. The donation of food from producers, retailers and distributors is vital, but the cost of storage, transport and packaging of donated food is not accounted for in the current tax system.

The Salvation Army submission to the Economic Affairs Committee inquiry on the Bill not only encourages the passing of the Bill, with minor amendments to make the scheme effective in the long term, but also calls for a reconsidering of the broader social security system. A rethinking of the rates of JobSeeker and Youth Allowance to allow people to live with dignity is critical to a systemic improvement in food security.

The Salvation Army was invited to give evidence before the Committee on 23 October, where we discussed the need for increased food relief in our services and how the Bill would assist us to provide more assistance to those in need.