We take concerns about registered charities seriously. We review every concern we receive to understand the issues raised and refer concerns to other agencies if needed. Information from the public provides us with valuable insight about the charities we regulate and contributes to our understanding of how charities are governed.
This Commissioner's Policy Statement supplements the ACNC’s regulatory approach statement, which sets out our general approach to regulating charities.
The ACNC focuses on guidance and education for charities. When we take compliance action and use our regulatory powers, we consider the potential impact this may have on the charity and the community they serve.
The ACNC’s Compliance team is responsible for administering the ACNC’s regulatory approach, which helps to maintain, protect and enhance public trust and confidence in the Australian not-for-profit sector.
The ACNC has power to act in response to a variety of concerns about charities. This guidance provides further details on what the ACNC has the power to investigate.
In most charities, Responsible People are unpaid. They volunteer their time, experience and expertise to their charity without taking payment for their service. However, some charities remunerate Responsible People for their work. These charities may choose to do so for several reasons.
It's Scams Awareness Week (August 26-30) and this year's theme is “Share a story, stop a scam”. Share your scam story using the hashtag #ShareAScamStory to help others spot, avoid and report scams.
A proprietary company limited by shares can be registered as a charity as long as its governing document makes clear that it must operate on a not-for-profit basis, and that it does not allow shareholders to receive private benefits.
However, any governing document generally appropriate for a proprietary company limited by shares will need significant amendments for it to also be appropriate for use if that organisation seeks registration as a charity with the ACNC.
