I am disappointed by recent comments in the media in regards to new appointments to the Australian Charities and Not-for profits Commission (ACNC) Advisory Board, of which I am the Chair.
The ACNC Advisory Board provides sector-specific advice in areas such as the not-for-profit sector, law, accounting and taxation to the ACNC Commissioner to assist in decision making.
Since being appointed Chair of the Advisory Board in May last year, it has been our intention to ensure the Board is made up of individuals who come to the table with experience in a diverse range of areas.
I have been fully involved in the process to appoint Dr Susan Alberti and Mr Peter Hogan to the Advisory Board, and endorse their appointments which fill longstanding vacancies on the Board.
Both Dr Alberti and Mr Hogan are eminent Australians with wide-ranging experience and knowledge in the not-for-profit, philanthropy and humanitarian sectors.
Mr Hogan is on the Board of Directors at Villa Maria Catholic Homes and brings expertise in the aged care, affordable housing, disability and special education sectors, as well as experience in international aid and development through his work with the Edmund Rice Foundation. He also brings extensive experience in taxation and accounting, as stipulated in the ACNC Act.
Dr Alberti is founder of the Susan Alberti Medical Research Foundation and is recognised for her eminent service to the community through philanthropic and fundraising support for a range of medical research, education and sporting organisations. In 2007 Dr Alberti was awarded an AO in recognition of her contribution to medical research, particularly as a philanthropist, fundraiser and advocate for type 1 diabetes.
It is disconcerting that a former member of the Advisory Board is using this opportunity to direct criticism towards these new appointments who have served the sector with distinction.