Join us in “paying it forward” with your energy rebate for those in need and in energy poverty?

For many Australians, the government’s decision in the Budget to provide a $300 reduction in energy bills next year will be a very welcome relief at a time of cost-of-living pressures. For some, it will be a nice fillip, and for others it isn’t needed at all.

The fact that the relief isn’t means tested provides an opportunity for some personal means testing for those who are in a good financial situation.

Ethinvest’s Director of Philanthropy, Blair Palese, has done some research and suggests that anyone who doesn’t need the $300 might consider donating the money to a charity that is actively promoting inclusion in the energy transition and/or one supporting refugees facing energy bill hardship this winter.

Given that the $300 is an after-tax rebate, it means that taxpayers could make a tax-deductible payment of much more than $300 and end up in the same financial position after the tax deduction. Someone on the top marginal tax rate could donate $566, and receive a $266 tax deduction, making the net donation $300.

Ethinvest is matching donations by our staff who are keen to support those in need. We encourage those able to donate their rebate to join us in “paying it forward.”

Our suggested charity partners in paying it forward are:

The First Nations Clean Energy Network is a not-for-profit network of First Nations people dedicated to ensuring that First Nations communities share in the benefits of the clean energy boom in Australia, currently supporting 16 renewable energy installations on Aboriginal lands nationally such as the newly installed Marlinja solar project in the Northern Territory.

Marlinja is one of many remote communities experiencing extreme energy insecurity, with high household power costs and lengthy system outages that mean residents experience regular disruptive electricity disconnection. The community is home to approximately 60 residents, situated on the traditional lands of the Mudburra and Jingili people. New solar installations on their community centre and homes brings affordable and consistent energy, training in electrical technology and carpentry skills for young people and reduces their reliance on polluting diesel-gas energy.

Once connected, the Marlinja Community Solar project will be the first grid-connected Indigenous community-owned renewable energy project in the Northern Territory, blazing a trail for other remote communities to begin owning and operating their own renewable energy infrastructure and improving community wellbeing with lower cost, more reliable electricity.

Donations to the First Nations Clean Energy Network are tax deductible.

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) – offering financial support for energy and food bills, healthcare and rent in the current cost of living crisis to those seeking asylum in Australia through their Winter Appeal. Many individuals and families seeing asylum from violence and intimidation in their countries of origin have been waiting more than a decade to have their applications heard in Australia and face the risk of deportation. Donations to the ASRC’s Winter Appeal can help those in need with funds for utility bills, healthcare, food, medication, and housing, essential services they need to help rebuild their lives. Funds raised by the ASRC are used to support, empower and advocate for over 7,000 people seeking asylum and refugees each year.

All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

To donate to:

• First Nations Clean Energy Network - click here

• Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) - click here