Australian firms set up to promote agriculture get charity tax concessions despite billion-dollar revenue

Wheat harvesting in Western Australia. CBH, which has an annual revenue of more than $1bn, receives tax concessions for promoting WA’s grain industry. Photograph: David Gray/AFP/Getty Images

Two companies set up to promote the agricultural industry are getting charity tax concessions despite annual revenues of more than $1bn each.

Under existing rules, the companies have been given charity status, which can make them eligible for tax breaks, including income and payroll tax, GST concessions and deductible gift recipient (DGR) status.