Too many charities in Australia do little or no charity work, too many receive most of their income from the government and too many lobby government for more. Gary Johns analyses the charity sector and concludes that a better-informed donor is essential to drive better charity.

Gary Johns has produced a forensic examination of a problem that is as endemic in Australia as it is in the UK. Political activism by state-funded charities is a potent - and growing - threat to democracy in the West. This important book provides countless examples of charities going beyond their remit while blurring the lines between civil society and the state in a manner that will shock many of their unwitting donors. - Christopher Snowdon, Research Fellow, Institute of Economic Affairs, London

Drawing on his experience as a government minister, party operative, think-tank guru and media commentator Dr Johns advocates for more information so donors can make better informed choices about the destination of their dollar. Fundraisers among others will find some of his recommendations challenging but he is to be commended for pushing the debate beyond yesterday's one-size-fits-all solutions such as league tables. - Rob Edwards, Chief Executive Officer, Fundraising Institute Australia