Give eco-charities a check

In the WWF case, taxpayers are supporting donors to campaign to stop businesses operating lawfully within existing legislation. The more controversial the cause, the less generous should be the privilege afforded to the charity and its donors.

Environmental organisations have described Hawke’s inquiry as an attack on their efforts to protect the environment.

It may well be, but it is more likely an inquiry that will question taxpayer support for non-charitable purposes in matters where many taxpayers would disagree with a charity’s actions.

Charities must be allowed to do their work, but the taxpayer should not be forced to support highly contentious disputes.

Hawke should question the presumption of public benefit in environmental charities. The committee needs to inquire into the charities not only for their practical activities but the extent to which they are publicly beneficial and indeed charitable.