This guidance is an overview of fundraising laws and regulations in the Australian Capital Territory. For more detailed information about fundraising laws and regulations in the Australian Capital Territory, please consult the relevant regulatory agencies.
Fundraising activity in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is regulated by Access Canberra and the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission.
Access Canberra
Access Canberra regulates fundraising activities in the ACT under the Charitable Collections Act 2003 (ACT) and the Charitable Collections Regulation 2003 (ACT).
Fundraising registration
Registered charities are not required to apply for or renew an ACT charitable collections licence.
For further information, visit the Access Canberra website.
Annual reporting
Charities are not required to lodge annual fundraising statements to Access Canberra. Instead, they can submit the Annual Information Statement to the ACNC.
If a charity has a charitable collections licence (ACT Fundraising licence number), they should provide this in the Annual Information Statement.
Medium and large charities must ensure that the financial reports they provide to the ACNC meet all the ACNC reporting requirements.
ACT Gambling and Racing Commission
The ACT Gambling and Racing Commission is responsible for regulating lotteries (which includes raffles and Calcutta events). These activities are regulated under the Lotteries Act 1964 (ACT).
Charities that fundraise through lotteries must apply for a permit (unless the lottery is exempt). For further information, visit the website of the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission.