ACNC opens for business

Third Sector Editor Candice de Chalain says it’s exciting to see an independent regulator established for Australia’s not-for-profit (NFP) sector.

“It will be an interesting and no doubt challenging journey for the sector, but with the right plan of attack and input it could also be very rewarding.

“The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) should hopefully make NFP’s lives easier so they can focus on their mission rather than red tape.”

The Cabinet will be recommending to the Governor General the appointment of Susan Pascoe as the inaugural Commissioner of the ACNC. Pascoe has been the interim Commissioner of the ACNC Taskforce since 1 July 2011.

Pascoe says that the establishment of the ACNC is a significant and exciting time for the not-for-profit (NFP) sector.

“Charities in Australia have acknowledged that there is a need for a dedicated and specialist regulator, and that transparency is important when the public’s funds are involved,” says Pascoe.

“As a regulator, we are committed to finding the right balance between education and guidance, and reporting and compliance. We want to ensure that charities are able to comply with the legislation, but can still focus on their core purpose.

“We are committed to red tape reduction and will work with other government agencies to achieve this.”

The formal launch of the ACNC will be held on 10 December 2012 in Melbourne.