Katie McDonald

That's What Governments Do

Abstract Decades of intervention have made variable impact on the inequality between indigenous and non-indigenous well-being across the world. Unacceptable differences in life expectancy alone mark indigenous need as an area where greater understanding of public and private funding approaches and their interaction may deliver real benefits. Both the public and the third sector have been active in trying to address the disadvantage experienced by Australias indigenous people. The interaction between the indigenous cause philanthropy system and the wider geo-political landscape in Australia is revealing barriers and insights that may apply in other challenging policy terrain.  The research reported here draws upon two empirical studies aimed at understanding the issues facing philanthropy in Australia, including the impact of government agency both independently and as it contrasts with philanthropy. The two different cultures are evident and two levers (greater system flexibility and closer engagement) are suggested as important in moving forward the philanthropy/government relationship in this area.

Giving in Australia

Philanthropy plays a critical role in Australian society, empowering communities and creating a sense of purpose and belonging. A community that gives freely of its time and financial resources is one with strong cohesion and social capital. Some key facts about philanthropic giving in Australia are below.According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, in 2012–13 giving amounted to

Giving in Australia: Philanthropic Potential Beginning To Be Realized

8.61 billion (8% of total sector income and 0.57% of GDP) being made up of:

Motives and barriers to bequest giving

Australia in a sense has two histories: that of its indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people based on a traditional culture of mutual dependence and reciprocal altruism (Turner, 1981) and the other from its 18th-century colonization as a British penal outpost. These colonial overtones have proved an abiding cultural force. A dominant government presence, British legal platform and ongoing sense that ‘the government will provide’ remain today (Liffman, 2008; McDonald & Scaife, 2011).