Following two years of speculation regarding the future of the charity regulator, earlier today the Minister for Social Services, Christian Porter confirmed that the Federal Government has decided to keep the Australian Charities and Not-for Profits Commission (ACNC).
The Liberal Government was elected on a platform to abolish the ACNC and a Bill to abolish the regulator was introduced to the House of Representatives in March 2014. The Bill was never passed and whilst the ACNC continue to forge ahead with its operations, the uncertainty of the ACNC’s future remained.
Kelly O’Dwyer, the Minister for Small Business and Assistance Treasurer this morning confirmed that “the government will continue to work with the ACNC, states and territories and the sector to identify areas where we can reduce the burden of red tape for charities and Not for Profit organisations”.
It is hoped that this announcement will allow the ACNC to progress regulatory reform, particularly in relation to cutting red tape and unnecessary regulatory burdens and will hopefully result in a closer working relationship with the States and Territories, many of whom have been cautious to work with the ACNC.
We recommend that charities continue to comply with their current obligations including submitting their Annual Information Statement, notifying the ACNC if you are listed on the register of missing charities, and notifying the ACNC if you wish to withhold information from the online register.
Should you have any questions in relation to the ACNC or any other matters please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team.
