Legislation to establish the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) passed the House of Representatives late last night.
"This is an historic reform that has the overwhelming support of Australia's hard-working charities and not-for-profit organisations," said Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury.
"The NFP sector has long called for a dedicated national regulator that understands the sector and its needs. The ACNC is the cornerstone of the Gillard Government's NFP reform agenda and will drive the implementation of a national approach to regulation for the sector."
"This is about letting NFPs do what they do best – supporting Australian communities – and making sure there is an effective regulatory framework that will support the sector's growth into the future," said Minister for Social Inclusion Mark Butler.
The ACNC bill has been the subject of extensive public and targeted consultation since December 2011, including two exposure drafts of legislation and referral to three Parliamentary Committees. The bills will now go to the Senate for debate.
"It was disappointing to see that the Coalition not only turned their back on the NFP sector by opposing the establishment of the ACNC, but it also tried to delay passage of the legislation by filibustering in the House of Representatives," said Mr Bradbury.
"It's time for the Coalition to start listening to the sector by committing to not try to further delay these important reforms in the Senate."