EDO: Terminating our funding wasn’t enough

Image by Matthew Newton

The Liberal party’s federal council has unanimously voted to move to strip EDOs across the country of tax-deductibility status. Federal member for Bass, Andrew Nikolic, claims that Environmental Defenders Offices are amongst groups that “attract concessions and donations, then engage in illegal activities” (ABC News, 29 June).

EDO Tasmania is a community legal service providing advice about environmental and planning laws and assisting people to participate, lawfully and effectively, in decisions that affect them. The help we provide to Tasmanian coastcarers, environmentalists and local communities enables them to access expert legal advice when they need it.

Our lawyers are professional, dedicated and well-respected. The advice we provide keeps many cases out of court, saving taxpayers and developers money (Law Society President, Anthony Mihal The Mercury, 16 June).

The suggestion that we engage in illegal activities, or assist others to do so, is both false and offensive.

EDO’s capacity to deliver an important community service has been significantly restricted with the termination of our core funding. Efforts from the current government to remove the benefit of tax-deductibility for EDO donors is another attack on the provision of services to Tasmanians.

Now more than ever, we need an EDO.

While you still can, please make a tax-deductible donation to the EDO Tasmania Rescue Appeal.

…and to the many generous supporters who have donated already – thank you!
Environmental Defender’s Office