Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) - Federal Budget 2011-12, 2012-13

Zhent · May 10, 2011

Da budget is out, and the cult-ownage is in! Our Cyrus probe now has an acronym - ACNC!

Here are the relevant excerpts from the budget documents. Dox from here: http://www.budget.gov.au/2011-12/index.htm

Not-for-profit sector reforms — Australian Charities and Not-for-profits
Commission — establishment

The Government will provide $53.6 million over four years for the establishment of a
new independent statutory agency, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits
Commission (ACNC), by 1 July 2012 and related structural changes required to the
Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

An implementation taskforce (headed by the expected Commissioner of the ACNC)
will also be set up in Treasury from 1 July 2011 to ensure the ACNC is ready for
operation by 1 July 2012.

The Commissioner of the ACNC will be appointed by the Government and report to
Parliament through the Assistant Treasurer. The Commissioner will have sole
responsibility for determining charitable, public benevolent institution, and other
not-for-profit status for all Commonwealth purposes. The ACNC will also initially be
responsible for providing education and support to the sector; implementing a
‘report-once use-often’ general reporting framework for charities; and implementing a
public information portal by 1 July 2013.

From 1 July 2011, the ATO will structurally separate its role of determining charitable
status from its role of administering tax concessions, in preparation for the
establishment of the ACNC. The Commissioner of Taxation will retain responsibility
for administering tax concessions for the not-for-profit sector.

The ATO will provide corporate service support to the ACNC in the form of
information technology services, human services, financial services and other related
functions.

The Government will also undertake negotiations with the States and Territories on
national regulation and a new national regulator for the sector, with the aim of
minimising reporting and other regulatory requirements through coordinated national
arrangements.

The measure is expected to result in additional tax revenue of $41.0 million over
four years as a result of increased compliance activity to ensure that not-for-profit tax
concessions are used only as intended.

This reform progresses another recommendation of the Australia’s Future Tax System
Review, and continues the process of tax reform started in May last year with the
release of the Government’s Stronger, Fairer, Simpler package of reforms.
See also the related revenue measures titled Not-for-profit sector reforms — better
targeting of not-for-profit tax concessions and Not-for-profit sector reforms — introducing a
statutory definition of ‘charity’.

Not-for-profit sector reforms — better targeting of not-for-profit tax concessions

The Government will reform the tax concessions provided to not-for-profit (NFP)
entities to ensure they are targeted only at those activities that directly further a NFP’s
altruistic purposes. The new arrangements will commence on 1 July 2011 and will
initially affect only new unrelated commercial activities that commence after
10 May 2011.

Under this measure, the NFP income tax concessions will only apply to profits
generated by unrelated commercial activities that are directed back to a NFP entity to
carry out its altruistic work. This means NFP entities will pay income tax on profits
from their unrelated commercial activities that are not directed back to their altruistic
purpose (that is, the earnings they retain in their commercial undertaking).

NFP entities, in respect of their unrelated commercial activities, will also not have
access to the fringe benefits tax exemptions or rebate, goods and services tax
concessions, or deductible gift recipient support in relation to those activities.

Commercial activities that further a NFP entity’s altruistic purposes, and small-scale
and low-risk unrelated commercial activities, will not be affected by the reforms.
NFP entities with existing unrelated commercial activities will initially be able to
continue to use their tax concessions to support these activities. The Government will
consult on transitional arrangements for these existing activities, with the intention of
phasing these out over time.

NFP entities that have entered into a government service delivery contract as at
10 May 2011 will be allowed to use their tax concessions in support of that contract.
Likewise, the 50,000 National Rental Affordability Scheme allocations will be
unaffected by the tax changes.

See also the related expense measure titled Not-for-profit sector reforms — Australian
Charities and Not-for-profits Commision — establishment, and the related revenue measure
titled Not-for-profit sector reforms — introducing a statutory definition of ‘charity’.

Not-for-profit sector reforms — introducing a statutory definition of 'charity'

The Government will consult on and introduce a statutory definition of ‘charity’ for all
Commonwealth laws to take effect from 1 July 2013. It will be based on the 2001 Report
of the Inquiry into the Definition of Charities and Related Organisations, taking account of
the findings of recent judicial decisions, such as Aid/Watch Incorporated v Commissioner
of Taxation. This measure is not expected to have an impact on revenue.

The Government will also consult with the states and territories with the intention of
developing and introducing a definition of ‘charity’ that can be adopted by all
jurisdictions. The adoption of a consistent definition across all jurisdictions would
considerably assist the sector.

The Government will provide the proposed Australian Charities and Not-for-profits
Commission with $2.9 million over four years to develop new guidance for the sector,
implement system changes, and re-assess the charitable status of entities on the basis
of the new statutory definition.

This measure is part of the Government’s commitment to Not-for-profit sector reforms,
which aim to deliver smarter regulation, reduce red tape and improve transparency
and accountability of the sector.

This reform progresses another recommendation of the Australia’s Future Tax System
Review, and continues the process of tax reform started in May last year with the
release of the Government’s Stronger, Fairer, Simpler package of reforms.

See also the related expense measure titled Not-for-profit sector reforms — Australian
Charities and Not-for-profits Commission — establishment, and the related revenue
measure titled Not-for-profit sector reforms — better targeting of not-for-profit tax
concessions.

I can't replicate the attached tables with numbers, check the documents for those. (above came out of Paper 2)

RightOn · May 10, 2011

nb4scientologystartsdoingcharitblethingsnowout-the-yang-yang

TinyDancer · May 10, 2011

http://ministers.treasury.gov.au/Di...11/077.htm&pageID=003&min=brs&Year=&DocType=0

Lots of overlap with the above, but it's just too good not to enjoy again anyway.

Hon Bill Shorten MP
Assistant Treasurer
Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation

Joint Media Release with
The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP
Minister for Human Services and Social Inclusion

NO.077
Making it Easier for Charities to Help Those Who Need it

The Gillard Government has announced a range of Budget measures to make it easier for the not-for-profit (NFP) sector to deliver vital assistance to Australia's most vulnerable people.

Establishment of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission

The Government will provide $53.6 million over four years to establish a one-stop-shop for the support and regulation of the NFP sector.

This is a reform that has been sought for many years by the sector, and recommended in reports dating as far back as the Report of the Inquiry into the Definition of Charities and Related Organisations in 2001.

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) will commence operations from 1 July 2012. It will initially be responsible for determining the legal status of groups seeking charitable, public benevolent institution, and other NFP benefits on behalf of all Commonwealth agencies.

The Commission will also implement a 'report-once use-often' reporting framework for charities, provide education and support to the sector on technical matters, and establish a public information portal by 1 July 2013. A Commissioner will be appointed to drive all the changes, who will be fully independent and report directly to Parliament via the Assistant Treasurer.

Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation, Bill Shorten, said "the NFP sector provides vital services to many of our most disadvantaged and vulnerable citizens, but the ability of the sector to undertake this work has been impaired by complex regulatory arrangements and unnecessary red tape for far too long."

Minister for Human Services and Social Inclusion, Tanya Plibersek, said "I am delighted that the Gillard Government is delivering on this key reform for the sector, which has laboured under overly complex, duplicating regulatory requirements for too long."

"We will continue our negotiations with the states and territories on national regulation for the charitable sector, recognising that the greatest reduction in red tape can only be achieved with national coordination. But it is important for the Commonwealth to lead the way and get its own house in order."

The Government will set up an Implementation Taskforce from 1 July 2011. It will be responsible for ensuring the ACNC is ready for operation by 1 July 2012, and will also consult with the public, the NFP sector and government agencies on a new general reporting framework and public information portal.

Better targeting of not-for-profit tax concessions

The Government will also reform the use of tax concessions by businesses run by NFP entities.

"The Government strongly supports the provision of welfare, education, sports, arts, worship, culture and community services provided by NFPs through access to significant tax concessions," Minister Shorten said.

"But the Government believes it is important that charities use their tax concessions only to assist disadvantaged people and not for unrelated commercial activities.

"The Government's reforms will encourage charities to direct profits generated by unrelated commercial activities back to their charity's altruistic purposes."

NFP entities will pay income tax on profits from their unrelated commercial activities that are not directed back to their altruistic purpose, that is, the earnings they retain in their commercial undertaking.

NFP entities will not be able to use input tax concessions, such as FBT and GST concessions, for their unrelated commercial activities.

These reforms will in no way affect the use of tax concessions to further a NFP entity's altruistic purpose, even where the charitable operation is conducted commercially. Examples of this type of related commercial activity include not-for-profit hospitals, op-shops that sell second-hand household items and clothing at discounted prices to those in charitable need, NFP child care centres, and businesses whose purpose is to provide meaningful employment to disabled persons.

The reforms also won't affect NFP entities carrying on small-scale and low-risk activities, such as lamington drive fundraisers, school fetes and leasing out of church halls.

These new arrangements will commence on 1 July 2011 and will initially affect only new unrelated commercial activities that commence after 7.30pm (AEST) on 10 May 2011.

NFP entities with existing unrelated commercial activities will initially be able to continue to use their tax concessions to support these activities. The Government will consult on transitional arrangements for these existing activities, with the intention of phasing these out over time.

NFP entities that have entered into a government service delivery contract as at 7.30pm (AEST) on 10 May 2011 will be allowed to use their tax concessions in support of that contract.

Likewise, the 50,000 National Rental Affordability Scheme allocations will be unaffected by the tax changes.

Introducing a statutory definition of 'charity'

The Government will also introduce a statutory definition of 'charity' applicable across all Commonwealth agencies from 1 July 2013.

"The adoption of a consistent definition of charity and single determination of charitable status will greatly assist the sector," Minister Shorten said.
"The current definition of charity is based on over 400 years of common law and is complex, inconsistent between Australian jurisdictions, outdated and creates considerable uncertainty for the sector."

The definition will be used for all Commonwealth laws, and will be based on the 2001 Report of the Inquiry into the Definition of Charities and Related Organisations, taking account of the findings of recent judicial decisions, such as Aid/Watch Incorporated v Commissioner of Taxation which extended the definition of charity to include further types of advocacy-based organisations.

"This package of reforms marks a significant step forward in the future of Australia's NFP sector," Mr Shorten said.

Further details on the NFP sector reforms are provided in the Attachment.

CANBERRA
10 MAY 2011

TinyDancer · May 10, 2011

ATTACHMENT

Further details on NFP SECTOR REFORMS

Establishment of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission

The Government will begin negotiations with the states and territories (states) on national regulation and a new national regulator for the sector, as the greatest reduction in red tape can only be achieved with national coordination. The Government will also seek to implement 'report-once use-often' reporting for reporting to the states. To progress these reforms, the Government will ask the Council of Australian Governments to establish a NFP working group reporting to the Standing Council for Federal Financial Relations.

However, the Government is concerned to ensure that reform for the sector is not delayed. The Government will therefore act to improve accountability and transparency for the sector while removing reporting overlap for general reporting requirements at the Commonwealth level.
The Government will therefore establish a new statutory agency — the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) —by 1 July 2012. The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commissioner will report directly to Parliament via the Assistant Treasurer. The Australian Taxation Office will provide corporate support for the ACNC, including human resources and IT support to utilise scale efficiencies.

From 1 July 2012, the ACNC will initially be responsible for determining charitable, public benevolent institution, and other NFP status for all Commonwealth purposes; providing education and support to the sector; implementing a 'report-once use-often' general reporting framework for charities; and establishing a public information portal by 1 July 2013.

An Advisory Board of legal and accounting and NFP sector experts will be set up to provide advice to the ACNC.

The Commissioner of Taxation will retain responsibility for administering tax concessions for the NFP sector. This seeks to address sector concerns regarding a perceived conflict of interest between determining charitable status and the role of administering tax concessions. Starting immediately, the Australian Taxation Office will begin to structurally separate its role of determining charitable status from its role of administering tax concessions in preparation for the ACNC.

To prepare for the launch of the new statutory agency, the Government will set up an Implementation Taskforce from 1 July 2011. The head of the Taskforce is expected to become the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commissioner on its commencement. The Taskforce will be responsible for preparations to ensure the ACNC is ready for operation by 1 July 2012. It will also commence consultation with the public, the sector, and Australian and state government agencies on general reporting and public information portal requirements.

The Government will provide $53.6 million over four years to support the new arrangements.

The Government will also undertake further reviews of aspects of the regulation of the NFP sector, including reviews of the company limited by guarantee entity, NFP fundraising, and the governance obligations appropriate for NFP entities. The need for these reviews was identified through the scoping study for a national NFP regulator.

Better targeting of not-for-profit tax concessions

The Government will consult to determine the most appropriate model for implementing these reforms. Possible models include those adopted by Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa.

The Government will also commence discussions with the states and territories with the aim of ensuring a coordinated approach to resolving these issues is adopted. Further, any change to the GST base will also require the unanimous support of the state and territory governments.
These reforms will not affect the principle of mutuality and, therefore, the tax treatment of clubs.

Introducing a statutory definition of 'charity'

The Government will consult with the states and territories with the aim of introducing a definition that could be adopted by all jurisdictions.

The Government will provide $2.9 million over four years to the ACNC to develop new guidance for the sector, implement system changes, and re-assess the charitable status of entities on the basis of the new statutory definition.

Anonymous · May 10, 2011

Zhent said: ↑

The Government will provide $53.6 million over four years for the establishment of a
new independent statutory agency, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits
Commission (ACNC), by 1 July 2012 and related structural changes required to the
Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

< snip >

The measure is expected to result in additional tax revenue of $41.0 million over
four years as a result of increased compliance activity to ensure that not-for-profit tax
concessions are used only as intended.

Just pointing out the obvious, the cult will baaaawwww that the government plans to spend $53 million, to get $41 million in additional tax revenue.

Ann O'Nymous · May 10, 2011

Nice.

anonymouskwisdg · May 10, 2011

Wow, just wow. Nice to see it all in writing tied up with a bow! Congrats to all who worked on this project, you too Plups <3 .
(No trolls, I don't think anon did it all by themselves).

Is there any indication yet of the composition/framework of the Implementation Task Force? How bout the process for public consultation?

Suck on this sci-guys:

NFP entities will pay income tax on profits from their unrelated commercial activities that are not directed back to their altruistic purpose.

TinyDancer · May 10, 2011

Anonymous said: ↑

Just pointing out the obvious, the cult will baaaawwww that the government plans to spend $53 million, to get $41 million in additional tax revenue.

Not quite because a) some of the cost is already being expended by the ATO, which currently regulates the sector - so, the new cost will be less than $53 m; and b) streamlining the regulation of the sector will deliver enormous savings to charities and NFP's - and that means less public funding will be required by them. My memory is telling me that the savings are expected to be of the order of $500m, but I could have that wrong.

The Consultation Paper / Scoping Study released this year by the Treasury stated:

This uncoordinated regulation of the NFP sector across Commonwealth, state and local government jurisdictions has resulted in overlapping and inconsistent regulatory systems. For example, there are more than 178 pieces of Commonwealth, state or territory legislation that involve 19 separate agencies regularly determining the charitable purpose or status of an entity.i

i National Roundtable of Non profit Organisations, The assessment of charitable status in Australia: current practice and recommendations for improvement Submission 170 to the 2008 Senate Inquiry into Disclosure regimes for charities and not for profit organisations (2007), 1.

Sponge · May 10, 2011

Xenophon comments:
http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/budget-ignores-sa-farmers-xenophon/story-e6frfku0-1226053615373

Senator Xenophon also welcomed the establishment of an Australian charities and not-for-profits commission.

"A Charities Commission will ensure that only organisations which provide charity, in the true sense of the word, will be able to benefit from tax exempt status," he said.

The common law definition was already 400 years old.

"It's out of date and its use needs to be seriously questioned given the conduct of organisations like the Church of Scientology," Senator Xenophon said.

Under the changes, a new statutory definition for charity will be applied to all commonwealth laws and the commission will be responsible for deciding which organisations are able to claim tax exempt status.

Senator Xenophon campaigned long and hard for the changes.

"This will stop charities being run as pseudo-businesses and level the playing field throughout a wide range of industries," he said.

TinyDancer · May 10, 2011

"Sponge said: ↑

Xenophon comments:
http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/budget-ignores-sa-farmers-xenophon/story-e6frfku0-1226053615373

I had to look twice to be sure that wasn't me.

AnonLover · May 10, 2011

^^LOL. oh how i <3 australia.

RightOn · May 10, 2011

"Sponge said: ↑

Xenophon comments:
http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/budget-ignores-sa-farmers-xenophon/story-e6frfku0-1226053615373

Xenophon....
making sheilas weak in the knees for years

Zak McKracken · May 10, 2011

"This will stop charities being run as pseudo-businesses and level the playing field throughout a wide range of industries," he said.

Excellent.
This will force DM to stop running Scientology-OZ as a pseudo-business,
so they can get back to work providing actual charity and public benefit, like L. Ron always intended.

Sponge · May 10, 2011

TinyDancer said: ↑

I had to look twice to be sure that wasn't me.

You resemble Nick Xenophon? OMG reverse trap!

thefatman · May 10, 2011

Zak McKracken said: ↑

Excellent.
This will force DM to stop running Scientology-OZ as a pseudo-business,
so they can get back to work providing actual charity and public benefit, like L. Ron always intended.

Ha. I love this place sometimes

Anonymous · May 10, 2011

Anonymous said: ↑

Just pointing out the obvious, the cult will baaaawwww that the government plans to spend $53 million, to get $41 million in additional tax revenue.

Yes, but that's $41 for just the first year, right? sounds great to me. Just not sure if this means sci has 1 more year or 2 more years to financially screw.

Anonymous · May 10, 2011

Random guy · May 10, 2011

Good Grief, this si good!

Watching the Senate hearing last year indicated something good was on it's way, but this is amazing! I look forward to seeing how Slappy will twist this one into a win for the cult!

Zhent · May 10, 2011

anonymouskwisdg said: ↑

Is there any indication yet of the composition/framework of the Implementation Task Force? How bout the process for public consultation?

An implementation taskforce (headed by the expected Commissioner of the ACNC)
will also be set up in Treasury from 1 July 2011 to ensure the ACNC is ready for
operation by 1 July 2012.

I hear TinyDancer will be nominated for Commissioner of the ACNC.

Mark Cabian · May 10, 2011

YES!!!

Zhent · May 10, 2011

BTW: The psychs also got a great deal out of the budget, including massive funding and support for the mental health sector ($2 Billion package, thats 200 Ideal Orgs!!). Top psych Patrick Mcgorry (that Scientology believes is controlling the anti-scientology movement in Australia) has been doing the media rounds and he is quite pleased.

I can just imagine some poor scientologist at home watching the budget speech and media coverage and screaming at the television "NO!!! WE ARE THE AUTHORITIES ON MENTAL HEALTH!!!"

Anonymous · May 10, 2011

Zhent said: ↑

I hear TinyDancer will be nominated for Commissioner of the ACNC.

I heard it the other way around,
that the new Commissioner of the ACNC will be assuming posting/moderating responsibilities for the TinyDancer account,
so [name redacted] and [name redacted] can take a break.

thefatman · May 10, 2011

Zhent said: ↑

I hear TinyDancer will be nominated for Commissioner of the ACNC.

Can I be assistant Commissioner? I'll bake cakes

OneOneWasARacecar · May 11, 2011

^^ I do pizza.

Zak McKracken said: ↑

Excellent.
This will force DM to stop running Scientology-OZ as a pseudo-business,
so they can get back to work providing actual charity and public benefit, like L. Ron always intended.

But wait - charity is out ethics. Isn't that why the US orgs shoo away homeless people?

Natter Bored · May 11, 2011

OneOneWasARacecar said: ↑

^^ I do pizza.

But wait - charity is out ethics. Isn't that why the US orgs shoo away homeless people?

Yes, according to the Reverend L. Ron Hubbard, it would be beneficial for society if homeless people and beggars were disposed of, quietly and without sorrow.

Anonymous · May 11, 2011

OneOneWasARacecar said: ↑

^^ I do pizza.

But wait - charity is out ethics. Isn't that why the US orgs shoo away homeless people?

like YEAH! Why would anyone want to help DOWNSTATS??

xenubarb · May 11, 2011

I want to be Minister of Bad Attitudes and Bacon.

Anonymous · May 11, 2011

xenubarb said: ↑

I want to be Minister of Bad Attitudes and Bacon.

That's an American position. You can run for it in 2012.

Anonymous · May 11, 2011

Big Anonymous Mexican Wave around the globe to Nick Xenophon for taking the bastards on.

AnonyVix · May 14, 2011

Was wondering what happened to the epic work done in Australia, good to hear people are on top of things and all is going to plan. Watch out for curve balls and attempts to throw spanners in to the works during consultation and transition periods.

I dare say the cult will be trying to adapt itself again so we need to spot this if and when it happens. I and others will be watching in the UK with respect to the "we're an Australian Charity" angle they've being using for far too long now.

Anonymous · May 26, 2011

Today Tonight took a lap of honor:

Notice a name they omit when they thank all the people from the US that helped on this.

AnonyVix · May 26, 2011

Anonymous said: ↑

Today Tonight took a lap of honor:

Notice a name they omit when they thank all the people from the US that helped on this.

And the UK, but hey we don't do it for the thanks, we do it for the LULZ remember... :-D

Actually I did notice a bunch of people named from the USA, none from UK but I don't think we had any overt public supporting actions such as Amy Schofield and the rest. Senator Xenophon did mention "a whole bunch of other people" and I'll settle for that. ;-)

Anonymous · May 26, 2011

Anonymous said: ↑

Today Tonight took a lap of honor:

Notice a name they omit when they thank all the people from the US that helped on this.

Yeah well I don't remember if he was actually interview by TT.

Clamosaurus · May 26, 2011

Anonymous said: ↑

Notice a name they omit when they thank all the people from the US that helped on this.

Oh you fuckin' betchya.

See that Martyr? The moment you started slagging us down here(Australia), was the moment you laid the foundation of your own mediocrity and unimportance/irrelevance with media sauce's kept in the loop of your spewing upon what was rolling down the pipeline.

We can haz gloating nao

*gloats*

AnonyVix · May 26, 2011

Clamosaurus said: ↑

Oh you fuckin' betchya.

See that Martyr? The moment you started slagging us down here(Australia), was the moment you laid the foundation of your own mediocrity and unimportance/irrelevance with media sauce's kept in the loop of your spewing upon what was rolling down the pipeline.

We can haz gloating nao

*gloats*

Sounds like revenge is a dish best served with sauce.

TinyDancer · May 26, 2011

Clamosaurus said: ↑

Oh you fuckin' betchya.

See that Martyr? The moment you started slagging us down here(Australia), was the moment you laid the foundation of your own mediocrity and unimportance/irrelevance with media sauce's kept in the loop of your spewing upon what was rolling down the pipeline.

We can haz gloating nao

*gloats*

Senator Xenophon may not know who Marty is. He hasn't met him and hasn't spoken with him as far as I know. And he does have a lot of information in his head. Next time I'm speaking with him, I'll ask him just to see.

Also: http://ministers.treasury.gov.au/Di...2011/083.htm&pageID=003&min=brs&Year=&DocType=

PRESS RELEASE

Next Stage for Not-For-Profit Reforms Announced

The new chair of the advisory board assisting the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) will be Mr Robert Fitzgerald AM, following a speech by the Assistant Treasurer, Mr Bill Shorten, at the National Press Club today.
"I am very pleased Mr Fitzgerald AM has agreed to chair the advisory board. His background as a Productivity Commissioner and his extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector make him the ideal candidate to guide the reforms," Mr Shorten said.
Mr Shorten also released a discussion paper – Better targeting of not-for-profit tax concessions – seeking public views on how to implement the Government's 2011-12 Budget announcement to better target not-for-profit (NFP) tax concessions for unrelated commercial entities.
"By better targeting tax concessions in the not-for-profit sector, the Government is encouraging charities to direct profits generated by unrelated commercial activities back to their charity's altruistic purposes," he said.
These announcements flesh out some of the details of the Gillard Government's election promise to reform Australia's NFP sector to deliver smarter regulation, reduce red tape and improve the transparency and accountability of the sector.
They also provide details on specific measures contained within the 2011-12 Budget, to make it easier for the not-for-profit sector to deliver vital assistance to Australia's most vulnerable people, including the establishment of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.
As announced in the 2011-12 Budget, an Implementation Taskforce for the ACNC will start work on 1 July 2011 to ensure the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission is ready for operation by 1 July 2012.
From 1 July 2012, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission will initially be responsible for determining charitable, public benevolent institution, and other NFP status for all Commonwealth purposes; providing education and support to the sector; implementing a 'report-once use-often' general reporting framework for charities; and establishing a public information portal by 1 July 2013.
The Implementation Taskforce will also engage with state agencies to negotiate use of the portal as a 'one stop shop' for reporting to state agencies.
"The truth is that this sector has a real and growing importance in the Australian economy and in Australian society more broadly," Mr Shorten said.
"The reforms to NFP tax concessions will not affect the use of tax concessions that support a charity's related commercial activities."
The reforms will also not affect not-for-profit entities carrying on small-scale or low-risk activities such as lamington drive fundraisers, school fetes and leasing out of church halls, or the principle of mutuality and, therefore, the tax treatment of clubs.
John Emerson, a private sector expert in the tax laws applicable to charities and member of the Board of Taxation, has agreed to provide the Government with advice on these reforms.
Consultation about the reforms to tax concessions is open for six weeks, closing Friday, 8 July 2011, and further information can be found at www.treasury.gov.au.
"The ACNC and the changes to how charities can use tax concessions for unrelated commercial activities are major reforms of this vital sector in our community. I am very pleased the Gillard Government has been able to deliver these reforms and I look forward to ongoing consultations with the sector to implement these reforms successfully," Mr Shorten said.
27 May 2011

Robert Fitzgerald AM - Biography

Robert Fitzgerald AM was appointed as a full-time Productivity Commissioner in January 2004 and has been recently reappointed until 2014.
Robert has a diverse background and extensive experience in commerce, law, public policy and community services. Prior to being appointed to the Commission, Robert was the Community and Disability Services Commissioner and Deputy Ombudsman in NSW.
Robert practiced as a commercial lawyer in NSW for over 20 years, including with the firm Clayton Utz, and established his own law practice specialising in franchising, licensing and trade practices.
During that same time he was engaged as a senior management consultant, including with Horwath Accountants and Management Consultants (now Deloitte), as well as holding senior executive positions with a number of private trading companies.
His involvement in public policy has been extensive and includes serving as a member of the National Competition Council for five years (1999-2003). Robert was Chair of the Commonwealth Taskforce on Franchising Regulation, Chair of the Franchising Code Administration Council, member of the Ministerial Advisory Council on Social Security and member of the Commonwealth Inquiry into the Definition of Charities and Related Organisations.
For over 30 years he has also been involved in a voluntary capacity in numerous community services. He is currently a Director of The Benevolent Society and Foyer Foundation.
Robert's previous community sector involvement included:

President - Australian Council of Social Service

Chair - National Roundtable of Nonprofit Organisations

State President - St Vincent de Paul Society (NSW)

Chair - JOBfutures Ltd (a national network of community job market providers)

National Committee Member - Caritas Australia

Board Director - Families Australia and the Association of Children's Welfare Agencies

In addition, Robert serves on a number of university advisory boards, including the Queensland University of Technology's Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies Advisory Board, and the Australian Catholic University Community Engagement Advisory Committee and previously the University of Sydney Law School Advisory Board.
Robert holds degrees in commerce and law from the University of NSW. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1994, is a recipient of the Centenary medal, and was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Australian Catholic University in 2001, and is now an Adjunct Professor at that University.

Anonymous · May 26, 2011

Chair Fitzgerald is evidently well qualified. Impressive

AnonLover · May 26, 2011

TinyDancer said: ↑

Also: http://ministers.treasury.gov.au/Di...2011/083.htm&pageID=003&min=brs&Year=&DocType=

PRESS RELEASE

This just keeps getting better and better... its almost like having sex with a well hung man - the moar you know, the moar you want.

thefatman · May 26, 2011

TinyDancer said: ↑

Senator Xenophon may not know who Marty is. He hasn't met him and hasn't spoken with him as far as I know. And he does have a lot of information in his head. Next time I'm speaking with him, I'll ask him just to see.

Wasn't Marty trying to stop the inquiry in the first place? If so, I'd say Xenophon would know who he is.

AnonyVix · May 26, 2011

The reforms will also not affect not-for-profit entities carrying on small-scale or low-risk activities such as....
leasing out of church halls...

Potential loop hole spotted. Scilons will try making all donations towards leasing out their many "church halls". "No we don't sell courses or books or DVDS or services, we give them away but of course we expect a "fixed" donation towards the lease of the church hall..."

OK that was a bit tongue in cheek but I betcha they consider it.

Log in or Sign up

Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) - Federal Budget 2011-12, 2012-13

Zhent Member

RightOn Member

TinyDancer Member

TinyDancer Member

Anonymous Member

Ann O'Nymous Member

anonymouskwisdg Member

TinyDancer Member

Sponge Member

TinyDancer Member

AnonLover Member

RightOn Member

Zak McKracken Member

Sponge Member

thefatman Member

Anonymous Member

Anonymous Member

Random guy Member

Zhent Member

Mark Cabian Member

Zhent Member

Anonymous Member

thefatman Member

OneOneWasARacecar Member

Natter Bored Member

Anonymous Member

xenubarb Member

Anonymous Member

Anonymous Member

AnonyVix Member

Anonymous Member

AnonyVix Member

Anonymous Member

Clamosaurus Member

AnonyVix Member

TinyDancer Member

Anonymous Member

AnonLover Member

thefatman Member

AnonyVix Member

Share This Page

Customize Theme Colors

Predefined Skins