Oceania
Regional Reviewer: Ian Murray
Institutional Affiliation: University of Western Australia
Overview
The environment for philanthropy in the region remains generally favorable, with most indicators remaining stable or reflecting small positive improvements. Ease of operation has slightly improved, particularly due to New Zealand’s 2022 Incorporated Societies Act—which reforms, and will eventually replace their 1908 Incorporated Societies Act—as well as Australia’s ongoing work towards fundraising harmonization. While there is some room for improvement (especially in Australia), the tax systems provide relatively generous incentives for donations to POs, and, while not always tax-advantaged, cross-border philanthropic donations can generally be made.
Despite the conclusion of long-running reforms in New Zealand, some political uncertainty exists due to the election of a new coalition government whose agenda for philanthropy is unclear. On the other hand, in Australia, the government has a very ambitious agenda to double philanthropy by 2030, and several inquiries are in progress, including one conducted by the Productivity Commission specifically on philanthropy and another by a Ministerially appointed expert reference group that is undertaking a much broader review of the nonprofit sector. Positive material change to the political and institutional environment for philanthropy is therefore expected in Australia.
The one indicator that declined in Oceania is the economic environment. Inflationary pressures pose risks to the economies of Australia and New Zealand, and therefore to the supply of donations.
In both jurisdictions, the impacts of COVID-19 continue to be felt in various ways, including greater adoption of online giving, more widespread adoption of hybrid/virtual office work arrangements, and a reduction in volunteering. Further, both jurisdictions are on the brink of a major intergenerational wealth transfer that poses a key opportunity for philanthropy. To make the most of this opportunity, it is critical that governments develop a clear policy in relation to philanthropy (especially in New Zealand) and complete outstanding inquiries (Australia). Governments should do so in a way that recognizes the potential impact that different practices of philanthropy may have on democratic institutions, so that philanthropic settings support rather than detract from democratic institutions.
View the full 2025 GPEI Oceania regional report:
View the 2025 Country Reports for the Oceania region:
Regional Comparison: Global Philanthropy Environment Index (GPEI) Scores
