Bob Brown running scared on green tax deductibility

JULY 15, 2015: FORMER Greens leader Bob Brown should demonstrate he has the courage to stand by his convictions in relation to green groups deserving tax deductibility status, rather than hiding from a parliamentary inquiry.Mr Brown stated today that he was “reconsidering appearing before the parliamentary inquiry into tax-deductibility” which will be held in Hobart on Tuesday.It seems that Bob Brown is running scared, which makes me think ‘what has the green movement got to hide?’After I destroyed the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) on Tuesday and we got a lot of evidence of illegal activity and misleading conduct by groups on the environment register, Bob Brown is now saying he won't front because he thinks the outcome is predetermined.I certainly have a view that green groups are doing the wrong thing by taking on cash that would otherwise support public services in order to run their illegal and political activities.But the ultimate decision is one for the committee.At yesterday’s Environment Committee public hearing into the Register of Environmental Organisations in Brisbane, Mr Christensen questioned AMCS representatives Felicity Wishart and Darren Kindleysides about the group’s advertising tactics which were deliberately aimed at preventing the Carmichael coal mine, Abbot Point port expansion and rail line construction from going ahead.This group, which receives significant taxpayer subsidies, was forced to admit they used misleading material and a campaign of misinformation to put jobs and an entire region’s economy at risk.This is precisely why this inquiry was necessary.If Bob Brown can prove otherwise, he needs to toughen up and front Tuesday’s inquiry.