Australian Labor Government faces criticism over tax subsidies for charities funding Israeli settlements. Senator Mehreen Faruqi renewed pressure on the government after it rejected a Greens amendment to strip tax-deductible gift recipient status from organizations supporting illegal West Bank settlements. Investigations revealed Australian charities are sending hundreds of millions in donations annually to fund settlement projects while maintaining tax benefits. The proposed legislative change would amend the Income Tax Assessment Act to deny tax deductions to entities financing occupation-related activities. The government's position contradicts its own recognition of Palestinian statehood and acknowledgment that settlements violate international law.
