The Australian Government and the Government of South Australia today announced further tangible steps to reduce red tape for the not-for-profit (NFP) sector.
South Australia will make amendments to its incorporated associations and charitable collections legislation to harmonise reporting requirements, and authorise charities to collect charitable donations in South Australia, once they have formally registered with the new national regulator, the Australian Charities and Not for profits Commission (ACNC).
Minister for Social Inclusion Mark Butler today said that South Australia was leading the way in making practical changes to reduce red tape for Australian charities.
"South Australia's leadership on this issue is a tangible step coming out of the COAG process and demonstrates progress toward a national regulatory framework for the NFP sector," Mr Butler said.
"The Gillard Government looks forward to working with other States and Territories to deliver similar reform outcomes across Australia, based on the necessary foundation of a new national regulator for the Not-for-profit sector."
Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury said the Gillard Government has negotiated the passage through the House of Representatives of the legislation setting up the first ever national not for profit sector regulator, the ACNC. The Bills will now be debated in the Senate.
"Alongside our work on setting up the new national regulator, we have also been working with States and Territories to remove unnecessary regulations which for too long have been imposed on charities.
"By removing duplicative state regulations, reducing costs for charities, and transitioning to a national regulatory framework, we will allow charities to focus on what they do best."
Deputy Premier and Attorney-General of South Australia John Rau said that the reforms would be of tangible benefit to NFP and volunteer organisations operating in South Australia.
"Once the reform process is complete we will look at our legislation and harmonise reporting processes for small, medium and large organisations within the framework of the new ACNC Act," Mr Rau said.
"These will be significant simplifications for South Australian charities that will make a real difference in their compliance and reporting obligations."
The ACNC will be the first national regulator for charities in Australia, taking over a range of regulatory functions from the Australian Taxation Office. It will create a fit for purpose regulator to reduce the regulatory burden and minimise the compliance costs faced by NFPs.
The ACNC will register and regulate NFP entities seeking Commonwealth support including access to tax concessions and other Commonwealth exemptions, concessions and benefits. It will also develop a 'Charity Passport' as a mechanism to share information across Commonwealth Government Departments.