Government to cut red tape for non-profit organisations
The Rudd Government has committed to slashing red tape in the multi-billion dollar non-profit sector that provides valuable community services for those in need.
The decision was made at the Council of Australian Government Business Regulation and Competition Working Group (BRCWG) meeting held in Melbourne on 13 March which was chaired by Lindsay Tanner and Dr Craig Emerson.
The BRCWG agreed to start work immediately on how to implement a standard Chart of Accounts and a nationally consistent approach to fundraising.
A recent Senate Inquiry found that overlapping and inconsistent regulation of the sector created an unnecessary compliance burden as well as hindering efforts to increase its transparency and accountability.
The sector is subject to 178 state and federal statutes and reports to 19 government entities and 74 other agencies.
When a charity wishes to pursue a fundraising drive across Australia, it is required to comply with six fundraising laws, including seeking a licence from six different ministers or regulators.
The BRCWG will also look at further reform opportunities following completion of current reviews in the sector.
