The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) has welcomed the report of the Senate Standing Committee on Economics Inquiry into Disclosure regimes for Charities and not-for-profit organisations, which has been tabled in Federal Parliament.
The Committee found that there is a need for increased transparency and improved regulation in the not-for-profit sector. Specifically, the Committee found that there should be greater consistency in the legislation that controls not-for-profit organisations, that there should be uniform national fundraising laws and that the not-for-profit sector be administered and regulated by a single national body.
CEO of PIAC, Ms Robin Banks said, ‘This is a very pleasing outcome as the Senate Committee have supported many of the recommendations PIAC made in its submission, Not-for-profit accountability. In particular it is an important step forward that there is finally an acknowledgment of the need for a consistent national framework for not-for-profits, and for the creation of a unit within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to manage issues for the not-for-profit sector. This shows that responsibility for the registration and regulation of not-for-profits is being given now a major priority.’
‘Implementation of the report’s recommendations will mean major changes for the sector and will require extensive consultation and resourcing to ensure the change process is successful’, Ms Banks added.
The Federal Government has also indicated that it will work with the not-for-profit sector on the establishment of a national compact that will outline how government and the sector can and will work together.
To view PIAC’s submission go to: https://piac.asn.au/publication/2008/09/080910-charity-sub
To view the Senate committee’s report go to: http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/economics_ctte/charities_08/report/index.htm
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Public Interest Advocacy Centre. Ph: 02 8898 6532 or 0400 110 169