ACNC News

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has updated its advice on referendum expenditure, which includes donations. Charities spending more than $15,200 on referendum campaigning or donations to organisations involved with the referendum must make a financial disclosure to the AEC. 

More than 150 charities are at risk of losing their registration, as they have failed to submit two or more Annual Information Statements.

There are new questions in the recently launched 2023 Annual Information Statement, requiring charities to disclose their dealings with related parties.

The ACNC has published an updated Commissioner’s Interpretation Statement (CIS) on Public Benevolent Institutions following extensive consultation with the sector and their professional advisers.

ACNC Commissioner Sue Woodward AM has welcomed the opportunity for the definition of Public Benevolent Institution to be tested in the Federal Court of Australia. Ms Woodward said the definition of PBI is important.

The Assistant Minister responsible for the ACNC has announced the new ACNC Advisory Board.

The ACNC corporate plan for 2023-24 has been published with some new and expanded performance measures as well as a focus on reducing the overall regulatory burden on charities.

The ACNC has published an updated Commissioner’s Interpretation Statement (CIS) on Health Promotion Charities following consultation with the sector. The CIS explains the ACNC’s view of how Health Promotion Charity is defined.

The latest official data shows Australia’s charity sector generated $190 billion in revenue and employed 10.5 % of the workforce, highlighting its significance to the Australian economy and community. The ACNC today released the ninth edition of the Australian Charities Report.

As many charities prepare to submit their Annual Information Statement by 30 June, it is a good time to check that you can log into the Charity Portal, and once you are logged in, that you can see your charity listed. It is important that you are listed on your charity’s record as a Responsible Person or Authorised person, have access to the Charity Portal and understand how to report.