Submission on proposed ACNC Governance Standards

This submission briefly outlines the Community Council for Australia (CCA) response to the Development of Governance Standards Consultation Paper published in December 2012 by The Treasury.

The CCA Board and members believe the issue of effective governance in not-for-profit (NFP) organisations is a critical issue. 

Given the desirability of having good governance practice across the NFP sector and enforceable provisions relating to organisations misusing their charitable status, CCA is broadly supportive of the light touch principles approach outlined in the consultation paper.

CCA acknowledges the fundamental importance of providing some guidance about what is acceptable governance practice to enable the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC) to operate and take action when inappropriate governance practice is identified.

It is important to note that this submission has been prepared through a process of consultation with the membership of CCA (see Attachment 1 list of CCA members) and other key organisations in the NFP sector.   This submission does not over-ride any positions outlined in individual submissions from CCA members. 

CCA commends the government and its officers for the process adopted in developing this consultation paper including seeking input from the NFP sector and other interested groups.  It seems The Treasury, government and NFP sector have come a long way in developing more tolerant and inclusive ways of working together over the last two years.

CCA looks forward to participating in an ongoing dialogue about how best to support the NFP sector while ensuring it is compliant with good governance practices.  

Download the full submission below