Fed Labor promises new charities minister

Australia will get its first minister for charities if Labor wins the May 18 federal election, the party has pledged.

Labor spokesman for charities and not-for-profits Andrew Leigh says a Shorten government would amend the Charities Act and formally recognise the benefits of advocacy by charities.

Labor would also set up a not-for-profit sector expert reference panel to develop a plan to strengthen the sector in cooperation with Treasury, business and key sector stakeholders.

"We will fix fundraising by immediately starting work on harmonising Australia's fundraising laws," Mr Leigh said in a statement on Wednesday.