Regulator threatens to deregister charities

Posted on 10 Sep 2024

By Greg Thom, journalist, Institute of Community Directors Australia

The Olivia Newton John Foundation, Moreton Bay Regional Community Legal Service and Kids Outreach International are among 70 charities at risk of deregistration by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).

The regulator said the organisations were in its sights after they failed to submit two or more Annual Information Statements (AISs).

The ACNC has issued a public notice with a link to a list of the charities, advising the organisations they have until October 7, 2024 to submit their overdue AIS or face having their registration revoked.

In a statement on the regulator’s website, ACNC assistant commissioner and general counsel Natasha Sekulic stressed the need for charities to keep their contact information and reporting up to date to maintain their registration.

“These charities may have changed their address and contact details or have closed and have not notified us,” said Ms Sekulic.

“Despite repeated attempts, we have not been able to contact these charities to let them know that they have overdue Annual Information Statements.”

"Good governance and accountability are vital for maintaining public trust and confidence in the sector."

ACNC assistant commissioner and general counsel Natasha Sekulic.

All charities registered with the ACNC are required to submit an AIS via the regulator’s online charity portal within six months of the end of the charity’s reporting period.

They must also notify the ACNC of a change of address.

Ms Sekulic said while the ACNC recognised that organisations sometimes ceased operations or merged, it was essential that they notified the regulator of any changes.

"Good governance and accountability are vital for maintaining public trust and confidence in the sector,” said Ms Sekulic.

“Ensuring the accuracy of data on the Charity Register is one way we support this, and that is why it is crucial charities are proactive in keeping us informed.

“We strongly encourage all charities to keep their reporting current to avoid losing their registration, charity tax concessions and the need to re-register if they are still active.”

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