Manager
Philanthropy and Exemptions Unit
Indirect Philanthropy and Resource Tax Division
The Treasury
Langton Crescent
PARKES ACT 2600 

Email: charities@treasury.gov.au

Dear Sir/Madam

Re:  A statutory definition of charity

Vision Australia is pleased to provide our views on the draft exposure of the Charities Bill 2013.

Vision Australia provides important specialist disability services to Australians who are blind or have low vision.

While disability service is not overtly mentioned at section 7 or 11 in the exposure draft, the Explanatory Material that makes reference to disability services of the kind we provide and the purpose for which we operate under “Definition of Charitable Purposes – 1.89 Advancing social or public welfare”, appears sufficient to ensure that we will still be considered to be regarded as a charity.

On this understanding we are pleased to indicate our support of the exposure draft Charities Bill 2013.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide our views and we look forward with interest to the next stage of this important work.

Yours sincerely

Stephen Crook
Financial Controller
Company Secretary
Vision Australia
346 Macaulay Road
Kensington Vic 3031
Ph. (03) 8378 1156 / 0417 356 272
Extension: 344156
www.visionaustralia.org.au