ACT and SA Can Do It - Time for Others to Act!
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.
Rev Tim Costello, Chair of CCA and CEO of World Vision said,‘after decades of discussion, it is very pleasing to see ACT and SA joining the Federal government in supporting real reforms for the charitable sector. We want charities to be able to get on with what they do best, not get bogged down in unnecessary red tape. The ACT commitment to freeing up charities is welcomed.’
According to David Crosbie, CCA CEO,‘the charities sector employs more than one million Australians and turns over approximately $100 billion. Despite its size and importance, this sector is drowning in a sea of pointless duplication and compliance, mostly imposed by well-meaning but misguided bureaucracies at both a Federal and State government level. Today’s announcement is great for ACT charities, and SA is already on board, but what about the rest of Australia?’
Toby Hall, CCA Board Director and CEO of Mission Australia said, ‘it is great to see ACT adopting a common sense approach towards charity sector regulation, an approach all states and territories would be wise to follow. It will save time and money for both charities and governments.’
Dr Stephen Judd, CCA Board Director and CEO of Hammond Care said, ‘the Productivity Commission report into the charitable sector found unnecessary government compliance requirements are increasing, costing the sector millions of dollars in administration. ACT is to be commended for helping reverse the trend so charities can focus more on their real purpose.’
Mr Crosbie said charities would like to see all governments adopting the same approach, ‘most governments talk about wanting to support the charitable sector, but these statements are often just decorative policy words rather than a commitment to real action. The Federal, ACT and SA governments have backed up their rhetoric with action that will actually make a real difference to the sector. Other governments need to get on board.’
The newly established Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission plans to introduce a ‘charities passport’ that establishes the bona fides of a charity. Currently, if charities want to run a national fundraiser or seek a payroll exemption, they have to register separately with each State.
Contacts: David Crosbie 0419 624 420 Sarah Gavel 0413 494 010
Download this media release below.
