Disappointing

HI everyone - I wanted to provide an update to you on the issues you have raised through this thread. 

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and I do not endorse individual politicians or political parties. We have been fortunate to be able to work with politicians from all political parties and our focus is to ensure we can be part of policy decisions, no matter who is in government. 

I want to assure you that I take our political relationships seriously and am clear on the legal requirements of BCNA.  We are disappointed that BCNA has been caught up in the current debate.

The interview with Sky was wide ranging including highlighting some of our election manifesto asks. As can be the case with media only showed a small proportion of my interview.

Cheers KP

@Keeping_positive1 no one has mentioning criticism or has even used the word criticism in any of their posts above. Sorry you feel that way. 

@Cath62 I totally agree an explanation and the full picture would be welcomed. Having also worked in senior positions in both charitiable organisations and government roles, I get it! 

Best we wait to see and hear an explanation from BCNA staff.

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. 

Hi @Keeping_positive1  

I am not saying that Kristen isn't a nice person. No doubt she is. Yes I know his role is federal treasurer and member for kooyong but this doesn't excuse professional  or lack there of real or perceived. Let's not be get clouded over issues just because someone met someone. I am not going to get into politics here as it's not the place.

The issue is an organisation's representative is seen having a close connection to a politician or perhaps a political party- perceived or real. Let's not be naive.

I have worked in senior public service positions. I have seen what can happen and I think an explanation around the context, relationship and transparency of what Josh has or hasn't done for BCNA is required.

Whether the media has represented what the situation is  is now irrelevant. The story is out there and therefore this issue needs addressed. I am sure @Kristen_BCNA will provide some commentary in due course.

@MissHeliotrope you have made very good points of the issue and reprentation in professional v private capacity. Thank you. 

Just trying to keep the conversation away from people jumping to conclusions.  THAT IS ALL!

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.

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. 

Hopefully we will get the full picture from BCNA to put the rumours to rest.

@Cath62 he is not the Treasurer of Kooyong though, so from that standpoint it makes sense to just use his first name.  Remember also, we don't know who the journalists were?  Nothing is black and white!