Churches fear their charities may suffer under new tax plans

Churches and charities are warning that the federal government’s plan to increase taxes on discretionary trusts could cost the welfare and community sector billions of dollars in donations. They fear up to 30 per cent of their income could disappear.

If you attend a Donald Trump rally in the United States, you’ll almost certainly hear his favourite song – the high-camp late 70's hit by the Village People, “YMCA”. And you’ll increasingly hear another song that, strictly speaking, has nothing to do with politics. It’s the evangelical anthem, “How Great is Our God”. Now, some evangelical leaders fear the MAGA movement has hijacked their music, even their worship style.  

On the northern fringe of Sydney, among gum trees and very loud native bird song, the Catholic Church plans to build Australia’s newest cathedral. The proposal by the Diocese of Broken Bay has attracted criticism for its expense. But the church hopes the stunning new design, which captures the essence of the nearby bushland, will convince the critics.

GUESTS:

• Mark Fowler is a charity lawyer and advisory committee member for the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission, a commonwealth agency. 
• Professor Leah Payne of the Portland Seminary is the author of God Gave Rock & Roll to You.
• Niall McLaughlin is the architect on the planned Broken Bay cathedral.