Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Hansard source

The government will not be supporting these amendments. The turnover test for charities has already been relaxed, in light of their special circumstances. Let me say, we worked very closely with ACOSS in relation to this. It's true that we haven't been able to deal with all of their issues, but, where we could, we certainly went out of our way to address their concerns. Excluding additional forms of income from the turnover test could result in assistance being directed to charities that have not been significantly impacted by COVID-19. In addition, it would be difficult for the ATO to source such information and verify accuracy in a timely way. The bill already provides flexibility to adjust the turnover test, if the need arises.

In relation to the commissioner's discretion, that is a matter for him. In relation to in what circumstances we might make further changes, as I've previously indicated we will continue to assess an evolving situation and continue to make decisions. I can't make any predictions here or speculate on what we may or may not do but we will continue to assess how coronavirus is impacting on the economy, on jobs, on business, on the community services sector and on all Australians, and we will continue to make adjustments and decisions if and as required.