The Inquiry into the definition of charities and related organisations has been granted an extension of time to 30 June 2001 within which to complete its report.
To date, the Committee has received more than 350 submissions from interested individuals and organisations. Given the number of submissions to be considered by the Committee, and the complexity of the issues involved, the Chairman of the Inquiry, the Hon I.F. Sheppard AO, has asked that the Government extend the reporting date for the Inquiry from 31 March 2001 to 30 June 2001.
The Government is keen to ensure that the Committee has adequate time to fully consider all the issues involved in this important Inquiry and has agreed to this extension.
The Prime Minister announced the details of the inquiry into definitional issues relating to charitable, religious and community sector not-for-profit organisations on 18 September 2000.
The members of the Inquiry Committee are: (Chairman) the Hon I.F. Sheppard AO QC, former Judge, Supreme Court of NSW and Federal Court of Australia; Mr Robert Fitzgerald, Commissioner of Community Services NSW and former President of ACOSS; and Mr David Gonski, Principal of Wentworth Associates and member of the Prime Ministers Community-Business Partnership.
The Committee is being assisted by a secretariat drawn from relevant Commonwealth departments and the community sector.
Further information is available on the Inquiry's internet site (www.cdi.gov.au) and from the Secretariat to the Inquiry (telephone 02 6263 4346).