ACOSS: Charities Commission will continue

ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie has joined many across the charities sector in welcoming the announcement from Ministers Christian Porter and Kelly O’Dwyer that the Federal Government will support the continuation of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC). Previously the Government had said it would disband the ACNC.

“Community sector organisations have been asking for this announcement now for several years. It is encouraging that the Turnbull Government is listening and have reacted to what the sector has been saying. This decision will benefit all Australian communities through a better regulated and supported charities sector,” said Goldie.

“This is a very pleasing announcement. The lack of certainty about the future of the ACNC has been a major issue within the sector and across governments. The ACNC and the charities sector will now be able to better plan for their future and devote more time and energy to doing what they do well, serving our communities,” said Tim Costello, Chair of the Community Council for Australia and CEO of World Vision.

David Crosbie, CEO of the Community Council for Australia said that the announcement is about the voice of the charities sector growing louder in recent years, and that the Government is starting to listen.

“Ministers Porter, Morrison and O’Dwyer are to be commended for responding to sector concerns and supporting this change in government policy. The ACNC can now get on with better serving the charities sector and the community through its invaluable work; registering and maintaining a national listing of Australian charities, cutting red tape, investigating rogue charities, and ensuring charities can fulfil their purpose,” said Crosbie.

CEO of Philanthropy Australia, Sarah Davies, said that this is a fantastic decision.

“We commend the Australian Government for the way it has listened to sector voices on this issue, and also acknowledge the important role that the Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnership played in securing this outcome. A well-regulated charities sector is important for funders as well as the wider community, and the ACNC has been working hard to deliver on that objective,” said Davies.

Marc Purcell, CEO of the Australian Council for International Development, the peak body for Australia’s international aid agencies said it is in the interest of charities to have a dedicated authority supporting the effectiveness of their work to benefit communities.

The Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) has welcomed the announcement by Social Services Minister Christian Porter and Assistant Treasurer Kelly O’Dwyer to retain the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).

“This is the right decision by the Government. The ACNC plays an important role in ensuring we have a well-governed, effective and trusted charitable sector,” said AICD Managing Director and CEO John Brogden.

“Now the ACNC has certainty it can move to fulfil one of its main objectives – to reduce red tape and eliminate the burden of unnecessary regulation on charities.

“State and territory governments have been reluctant to come to the table on national reform, but with this announcement, it’s time for them to take action.”

“The ACNC must now focus on delivering streamlined reporting for not-for-profits, advocating for a nationally-consistent approach to fundraising regulation and a standard definition of charity,” said Brogden.