Disappointed to see BCNA taking a political stance supporting Josh Frydenberg in Kooyong. I don’t believe BCNA speaks for all members .https://twitter.com/votejoshout/status/1516764200252895232?s=21&t=namo3EO-6IJ29_L_8Bq-jg

It’s always wise not to be partisan when your follower base isn’t there for a clear cut, political reason. And for organisations with a charity status, it’s usually illegal.

Board and CEO positions are highly sought after and very well paid. It is not too much to ask that these people are aware of their obligations in respect of their registration as a charity with the ACNC and act accordingly. Charities get tax concessions and deductible gift recipient status and the CEO needs to ensure that she doesn’t jeopardise these. I cannot see how it is excusable for a CEO to publicly endorse a politician in the run-up to an election. It is not done as a private citizen when the person’s job title is shown and they are surrounded by the organisation’s logos and emblems. A member of the public would see that endorsement as the endorsement of the organisation. I doubt these people will get more than a slap on the wrist, but the organisations involved have lost my support and that of like-minded people.

Bcna represents a diverse group of vulnerable people and it is inappropriate to drag them into political debate.If the ceo wishes to endorse a political candidate it would be appropriate if she did so in her private capacity without her title and the uniform/ paraphanelia of the organisation as by inference it suggests the candidate has the support of the entire membership.

I have read the ACNC website which states Any advocacy or campaigning charities conduct MUST NOT have a purpose topromote or oppose a political party or candidate for political officeAll charities and CEOs Should be apolitical The Guide Dogs has had repercussions some donations cancelled and their board is doing a internal investigation into the CEO Stork

The issue isn’t about any individual, it’s about the connnection of an organisation with a political party. The organisation needs to be clear what its spokesperson is speaking for and on whose behalf. If it’s not crystal clear, then best to avoid.

Disappointing | BCNA Online Network

31 Replies

Afraser
Member
4 years ago
A follow from today’s news:
Last week Guide Dogs Victoria released a statement saying the board did not know about the political endorsement until it was made public and announced an investigation had been launched.
A fresh statement from the charity said Ms Hayes had been stood down "following the distribution of political materials that included comments from the CEO purporting to be on behalf of Guide Dogs Victoria and publicly endorsing a political candidate".
"The board had no knowledge of this and did not endorse it," the statement said.
"The independent investigation is underway and is ongoing. The purpose of the investigation is to understand what happened and ensure it never happens again.
"It would be inappropriate to comment further while the investigation is continuing."
Cath62
Member
4 years ago
Don't worry @Keeping_positive1. We can all be passionate about things that matter.

I think it's ok for everyone to chat and express their concerns and views before any formal response. I guess by us doing so, it allows BCNA to look at what those concerns actually are and give them time to be able to provide a considered response.

Have a lovely Friday night and a great weekend.
Keeping_positiv
Member
4 years ago
I feel I have overreacted on this thread, and my intention was never to hurt anyone by my comments and make it personal. @Cath62 you have always had relevant and good points to make, as was many of the other comments. My only concern was we didn't wait for a response by BCNA to clear things up first. I was too direct in delivering how I felt. Apologies to anyone who I offended by my blunt comment on this thread.
Cath62
Member
4 years ago
Seems this morning the treasurer is caught up in poster issues with the scouts. Interesting another not for profit in the media with the treasurer today. Makes me wonder if Josh is playing the media and not for profits to make him look good for the political campaign. Would a politician do this? 😉😀
Keeping_positiv
Member
4 years ago
@Cath62 so glad it is all cleared up for us, and now we can move on. :)
Cath62
Member
4 years ago
Thanks @Kirsten_BCNA. Appreciate your comments.

It is so important everyone be able to express their views openly and have those views/concerns expressed and be respected even if they differ from others.

Thank you again for providing your update.
June1952
Member
4 years ago
Thank you @Kirsten_BCNA.
At this stage in the political timelines these reports appear. It is very disappointing when people see/hear it and then repeat it before ascertaining more about the background.
Hopefully this is the end of this thread.
Kind regards.
Keeping_positiv
Member
4 years ago
@Romla the general public should wise up! Thank you though for starting this thread because I hadn't caught up with the latest untruths we are likely to be subjected to at this time. :)
Keeping_positiv
Member
4 years ago
@Kirsten_BCNA thank you for the explanation. Thank you also for the clarification as sometimes the public can be so naive to think that the snippet they saw of your interview is a full representation of what took place. Perhaps just don't put yourself through those interviews again with Sky nor ABC. :) They have their own agendas! You don't need the dramas!
Romla
Member
4 years ago
It would seem a retraction of sorts is also necessary for the general public who have also been dismayed by a charity seemingly engaged in political endorsement?

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Disappointing

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