Author Dan Croke
The practice of philanthropy, according to Dan Croke, in Australia has evolved according to historical and cultural context. Historically, Australia doesn’t have a very strong tradition of philanthropy, largely due to a deep-seeded sense of social welfare and its long-standing reliance on statehood for essential public services. Its traditional charity law and overall political culture are strongly influenced by the United Kingdom and as a result, it remains quite largely Westernized, while much less so than in the distant past, when its Asia-Pacific regional location and heavy immigration continue to blur this distinction. However, recent legislation such as the Global Drug Strategy Act 2021 and the Alcoholic Treatment Act 2021 have placed additional demands upon the voluntary sector. These changes have led to increased attention being paid to both philanthropy and voluntary charity in Australia.
Dan Croke on Changing Times
In response to these changing circumstances, many more individuals and organizations are now looking at ways in which they can make a difference through giving to charity and so contributing to Australian society. This has been helped by the growth and development of the private charitable sector over the last 20 years or so, which has grown significantly in line with the increase in Australia’s population (which has been consistently around one million people over the last decade). Private charities in Australia have also been helped by this wider base of support since they are now able to appeal to a greater range of individuals and groups, making their marketing and communications more effective, while also being able to tap into new sources of funding. As a result, many more people are now turning to charities and contributing to their budgets and programs.
Dan Croke: Philanthropy in Australia vs The Rest of The World
There are many areas in which philanthropy is practiced and raised in Australia compared to other countries. There are many examples of this, for example, the Red Flag Society raises money and sponsors numerous events to raise awareness about environmental issues facing Aboriginal people. There is also philanthropy happening within the not-for-profit sector, for example, the Conservation Foundation Australia helps to fund projects that will promote responsible and sustainable development across many sectors, including energy, immigration, and the environment. Another interesting type of philanthropy is the sponsorship and participation in causes and activities that are aimed specifically at ensuring that people in remote and underdeveloped parts of the country have access to services and assistance. Australia is home to some very wealthy individuals, most notably the former mining magnate, Nick Minchin, who has made a significant commitment to helping those who are less fortunate.
Dan Croke