Green groups call on Malcolm Turnbull to keep tax-deductible status

Environmental activists rally to end the 'ideological attack instigated by Tony Abbott' at Senate inquiry in Melbourne

Environmental groups have rallied in Melbourne to defend their tax-deductible status and call on the prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, to repair relations with the conservation movement.

A parliamentary inquiry into the tax status of environment groups is hearing evidence in Melbourne. The inquiry was called by the federal environment minister, Greg Hunt, amid claims that green groups were misusing tax-deductible funds for inappropriate activism.