Last night, the Gillard Governments Not-For-Profit Sector Freedom to Advocate Bill 2013 passed the Parliament, banning the use of gag clauses in Federal Government contracts with the not-for-profit sector.
In 2008, Labor removed these clauses which were used by John Howards Coalition Government to prevent organisations from criticising government policy.
Gag clauses are a well-worn Liberal Party tactic, Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Senator Penny Wong, said.
Liberals cut to the bone and then silence organisations who rely on government funding from speaking out.
As a result of this Bill, any clause in Commonwealth agreements that restrict or prevent not-for-profit entities from advocating on Commonwealth law, policy or action will be prohibited.
However, gag clauses are currently in place in Queensland under Liberal Premier Campbell Newman, and, recently, New South Wales Premier Barry OFarrell flagged his intention to introduce them into funding agreements with community legal centres.
Minister for Social Inclusion, Mark Butler, said gag clauses limit important advocacy on behalf of the community and those most in need.
This Government recognises that a strong, independent and innovative not-for-profit sector is essential to building an inclusive community, Mr Butler said.
Introducing gag clauses shows a complete lack of respect for the independence of the not-for-profit sector.
Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury has called on Tony Abbott and Kevin Andrews to publicly condemn the use of gag clauses by his Liberal state colleagues.
Tony Abbott and Kevin Andrews should get on the phone to Campbell Newman and Barry OFarrell and demand they stop their attacks on the not-for-profit sector, Mr Bradbury said.
Unless they do, it will prove that, deep down, the Coalition still supports gag clauses and will unleash them again if they ever get the chance.