From: Jonathan Rodwell (AU) [mailto:Jonathan.Rodwell@om.org] 
Sent: Friday, 12 August 2011 3:37 PM
To: NFP Reform Consultation
Subject: Letter regarding impending legislation for NFP's
Importance: High

12 August 2011

To Whom it May Concern:

Being the National Director of a leading international mission organisation which receives and then sends funds overseas for many humanitarian projects, I am extremely concerned about the proposed legislation affecting the tax-exempt status of Operation Mobilisation Australia Ltd. 

The changes indicated in the exposure draft will mean the loss of the income tax exempt status under 50-50 (d) to members of Australian Evangelical Alliance Inc (Missions Interlink) which is currently prescribed by law under regulation 50.50.02. If passed, this legislation would greatly hinder the work achieved in the many countries to which our aid and development funds are sent and would put well-established community projects under extreme stress.

Also, organisations which receive funds from donors will lose their income tax exempt status. This will mainly affect schools and churches as they will lose their exemption from tax if they contribute to organisations giving aid and welfare overseas.  This in turn will impact organisations who themselves rely on gifts and donations.

I would ask that the new legislation retain the exemption for all prescribed institutions listed in the current regulations and along with this a minimum threshold for donations to entities without tax should be introduced.   

I hereby respectfully request that my concerns above are taken into your consideration; otherwise I would ask that current laws remain as they are.

Yours sincerely,

Jonathan Rodwell
National Director
OM Australia
03 9898 9348
0413 969 250
www.om.org.au

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