With the federal election to be held on Saturday 3 May, the ACNC is reminding charities to be aware of their obligations regarding political advocacy, campaigning and disclosing electoral spending above a set dollar amount.
Charities can engage in advocacy and they make a valuable contribution to national policy conversations.
Importantly, charities are allowed to advocate for changes in law or policy, as long as this work furthers their charitable purpose.
However, any advocacy or campaigning activity must not have the purpose of:
- promoting or opposing a political party or a candidate for political office
- engaging in or promoting unlawful activities or
- engaging in or promoting activities contrary to public policy.
These are disqualifying purposes and charities that engage in them risk losing ACNC registration.
Further, charities that spend above a set threshold have to report that spending to the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC). The AEC has published guidance which explains when a charity is required to report electoral spending, how to report it and related information.
Charity leaders are encouraged to read both the ACNC and AEC guidance.
Read the: