CCA provides media commentary on issues important to charities and NFPs and CCA CEO David Crosbie writes fortnightly in the Community Advocate on sector issues. We keep our member CEOs and senior staff up to date via CCA’s Daily Diary – a frank daily analysis of the national context, issues and news of interest to charity leaders (all in a two-minute read). Charity leaders who would like to know more, please contact our Partnerships Manager, Deborah Smith, info@communitycouncil.com.au
Rev Tim Costello, CCA Chair 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. Rev Costello also welcomed all the other appointments to what he described as ‘an important body that will provide advice to Australia’s new independent regulator for all Australian charities.’
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.
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.
‘The new regulator for Australian charities represents a coming of age that will enable the whole sector to grow and change for the better. Well done to all those who have delivered this major reform,’ said Rev Tim Costello, Chair of Community Council for Australia.
Today’s announcement that the South Australian government will not require nationally registered charities to further establish their bona fides has been warmly welcomed, but some are questioning why other states are not offering the same level of support to charities.
‘There have been decades of discussions about the relationship between governments and not-for-profit organisations. The time has come for all governments to respect charities, to free them up from unnecessary red tape and compliance, and to enable them to do what they do best – support the communities they serve. Civil society is at its best when the voice of the not-for-profit sector can be heard loud and clear. The removal of gag clauses is a critical part of the reform process, and one charities and not-for-profits will strongly welcome,’ according to Rev Tim Costello, Chair of the Community Council for Australia (CCA).
