Guide Dogs Victoria

The organisation's chief executive officer Karen Hayes has publicly endorsed the Treasurer in her seat of Kooyong through a social media video and in ...

"It certainly goes to the line where the ACNC would be concerned that it gives the appearance that you have a political purpose." "The Act says that [registered charities] must not have a purpose of promoting or opposing a candidate for office," he said. Murray Baird, a charity lawyer with Prolegis Lawyers, said it was "quite surprising and even extraordinary" that the chief executive of a charity like Guide Dogs Victoria would be endorsing a political candidate. Mr Frydenberg defended the endorsement, describing it as "a proof point" of what he had delivered for his community, and "the public recognition that I've received from these community organisations". "The board of Guide Dogs Victoria fully understands the concerns that have been raised by members of the community and from our supporters about this matter." The organisation has released a statement saying its board had "no prior knowledge of the distribution of this material and does not endorse it".

CEO of Guide Dogs Victoria and resident of Kooyong, prints flyer and goes on social media in direct contravention of charity regulations.

He is passionate about free speech, human rights, democracy and the politics of change. He is passionate about free speech, human rights, democracy and the politics of change. Little wonder independents, undecideds and minor party voters are polling almost 30%. The election campaign between the major parties has descended from media infatuation with "gotchas" to a slather of daily fear-mongering tactics. Little wonder independents, undecideds and minor party voters are polling almost 30%. The election campaign between the major parties has descended from media infatuation with "gotchas" to a slather of daily fear-mongering tactics. Little wonder independents, undecideds and minor party voters are polling almost 30%. The election campaign between the major parties has descended from media infatuation with "gotchas" to a slather of daily fear-mongering tactics. To the tune of $2.5 million in government funding in 2020.

Charity says it is committed to remaining apolitical and has launched an investigation into endorsement from its CEO.

The advice says charities can engage in “advocacy or campaigning” if those activities further their charitable purpose, or are allowed under the charity’s governing document. Hayes also featured in paid ads published on Frydenberg’s Facebook page. The ACNC released a statement last week reminding charities “to be aware of their obligations regarding political advocacy and campaigning.” The regulator’s Twitter account posted a new link to the advice on Wednesday morning, writing “while advocacy and campaigning are important to the work that many of Australia’s registered charities undertake … it is important to note there are lines that should not be crossed”. It’s confected outrage,” he said. The endorsement by Guide Dogs Victoria could fall foul of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) rules around advocacy and campaigning if it promotes or opposes “a political party or a candidate for political office”. The chair of Guide Dogs Victoria, Iain Edwards, said he had “no prior knowledge” of the ads before they came to light this week, and that the charity was “absolutely committed to its important work as a charitable apolitical organisation”. He said an internal investigation would be conducted into the matter.