The ACNC today confirmed it is investigating concerns raised about the charity which operates Brindabella Christian College in Canberra - Brindabella Christian Education Limited (ABN 21100229669).
ACNC Commissioner Sue Woodward AM said the Commission has become aware that information about the investigation is now in the public domain and wishes to provide the following clarification.
“We have been working with other relevant regulators on this matter, including the Commonwealth and ACT Departments of Education,” Ms Woodward said.
The ACNC issued a ‘show cause’ notice to Brindabella Christian Education Limited on 12 December 2024, which sets out details of the ACNC’s concerns. The charity responded to the notice on 3 February 2025.
On March 5, the board of directors of Brindabella Christian College appointed an administrator and the College entered into voluntary administration. (See more information about voluntary administration on the ASIC website).
The Charity Register has been updated to reflect the appointment of the administrator, with the administrators now named as the charity’s ‘Responsible People’ for the purposes of the ACNC Act.
Generally, the ACNC can investigate concerns that a charity has breached the ACNC Act or the ACNC’s Governance Standards.
“Our regulatory approach is to act firmly where vulnerable people or significant charity assets are at risk, where there is evidence of serious mismanagement or misappropriation, or if there is a serious or deliberate breach of the ACNC Act or ACNC Governance Standards.
“We work with other Australian government agencies to support a whole of government approach to cross-jurisdictional matters,” Ms Woodward said.