Retention of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission

The Hon. Kelly O’Dwyer MP, Minister for Small Business and Assistant Treasurer released the following media release on the 4th of March 2016:

Retention of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission

The Government will provide certainty to the charitable sector and community organisations by today announcing the decision to retain the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).

Minister for Social Services, Christian Porter, and Minister for Small Business and Assistant Treasurer, Kelly O’Dwyer, said the decision followed extensive consultation with the sector on the alternative option of repealing and replacing the ACNC.

“We have given this very careful consideration,” Minister Porter said. “The Government’s consulted with, and listened to, all interested stakeholders. While there are a variety of views, within the charitable sector there is sufficient support for the retention of the ACNC.”

“It is intended that the ACNC will have a renewed focus on working with charities to help them to become more effective, and helping them to improve their governance.

Ms O’Dwyer said eliminating uncertainty about the ACNC will allow it to further progress regulatory reform and improve the not-for-profit sector.

“Today’s announcement sees us striking the right balance between having effective public accountability and cutting red tape,” Minister O’Dwyer said.

“The Government will now work with the ACNC to remove duplication and increase accountability and transparency.

“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.”