Article by ROYCE MILLAR published front page of the Age and other Fairfax outlets September 01, 2013
If Tony Abbott is elected prime minister on Saturday he will abolish the watchdog established by Labor to keep an eye on the billions of dollars received and spent by Australian charities each year. Why?
Media release issued 1/8/13 following the first meeting of the C20 steering group
Australian civil society representatives have met for the first time to discuss how best to contribute to high-level policy decisions at next year’s G20 Summit in Brisbane.
“The importance of sustainable economic growth as a means of reducing inequality must be front-of-mind for global economic decision-makers, because inequality not only impacts those most disadvantaged in society, it also stifles global productivity,” World Vision Australia CEO Tim Costello said.
Today’s announcement that the Australian Capital Territory will join the South Australian government in exempting nationally registered charities from also having to register in the ACT has been warmly welcomed. More charities are now questioning why other states are not offering the same level of support to charities when the case for change is so clear.
Today the Finance Minister Penny Wong will introduce into the Senate a motion banning gag clauses in all Federal government contracts with the not-for-profit sector.
Introduction
This submission briefly outlines the Community Council for Australia (CCA) response to the COAG Regulatory Impact Assessment of potential duplication of governance and reporting standards for charities (RIA) consultation paper.
The CCA Board and members believe the issue of duplication in regulatory requirements for charities and more broadly for the not-for-profit (NFP) sector is a critical issue.
Rev Tim Costello, CCA Chair and CEO of World Vision said ‘The Community Council for Australia welcomes the appointment of Mr David Crosbie to the new Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission Advisory Board. Mr Crosbie is a respected leader in the not-for-profit sector and has proven to be a strong and capable advocate for the not-for-profit sector. His appointment is a testimony both to his skills and experience, and to the important work of CCA’
Introduction
This submission outlines eight measures the Community Council for Australia (CCA) believes will significantly strengthen Australia’s not-for-profit (NFP) sector and drive real economic savings for government over the coming financial year and beyond. It has been prepared through consultation with the membership of the CCA (see Attachment 1 for a listing of CCA members) and key organisations in the NFP sector. It also draws on recommendations from previous CCA submissions.
Manager
Philanthropy and Exemptions Unit
Indirect, Philanthropy and Resource Tax Division
The Treasury
Langton Crescent
PARKES ACT 2600
Dear Sir or Madam
CCA has reviewed the proposed requirements for annual financial reports under the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC) and broadly endorses the approach outlined.
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.
The FBT discussion – what is the CCA position?
By David Crosbie, CEO, Community Council for Australia
In developing policy related to taxation concessions provided to the charities and not-for-profit sector, CCA has consistently adopted a longer term view of what might best serve the sector’s interests, both now and into the future.