Speaking recently at an Ethics in Philanthropy dinner, Dr Phil Burgess, Telstra's Group Managing Director of Public Policy & Communications and Director of the Telstra Foundation, looked at the issues facing corporate foundations in today's society. Dr Burgess explored many ethical questions relating to philanthropy from the perspective of the recipient as well as the donor.

"One of the things that we have to do as a corporate foundation is to try, by our own behaviour and by working with others in the corporate community, is to light a candle so that more corporations give more money to philanthropic and charitable activities", Dr Burgess said.

"This will help the civil sector become stronger, more vibrant and more independent, so it can grow and prosper. That is what is going to make Australian democracy grow and prosper."

The speech was broadcast yesterday as part of ABC Radio National’s Summer Talks series.

Listen to the audio recording:

• ABC Radio National’s Summer Talks series (www.abc.net.au)

Read the transcript:

• Phil Burgess on ethics in philanthropy - edited transcript (PDF - 44KB)