UnitingCare Australia, the national body for community services in the Uniting Church, today hailed the Democrat’s FBT victory for charities as a win, in the continuing battle for fair and equitable tax reform in Australia.

The Rev. Harry Herbert, Chair of UnitingCare Australia, welcomed the exemptions for the charities.

He said, "This stand by the Democrats is gutsy play. The Democrats have shown their commitment to the many thousands of Australians who rely on our services and have affirmed the important role charities have in Australian society. It is now up to the Government to go the whole nine yards and ensure the Democrats’ efforts are not a waste of time."

Libby Davies, National Director of UnitingCare Australia commented on the Democrats’ victory, "This exemption is critical. We now have the chance to fulfil our commitment to the community in a way that reflects our Christian mission and service.

"The prospect of having to turn people away because we can no longer afford services due to huge increases in our operational costs was a great worry. With the exemption we can continue to provide the same level of services."

"We also appreciate the commitment by the Government to hold an independent inquiry investigating definitions around charitable and not for profit organisations. To continue to rely on a 16^th Century legal definition for charities amidst our current reform is amazing.

"A progressive tax system for the new Millennium warrants a more progressive and realistic definition that is in keeping with the times. It must also validate the critical role played by charitable organisations, in partnership with government, in the community."