Governance for Good – Minimal Standards for Charities

Better Boards Melbourne 7 July 2013Murray Baird Assistant Commissioner General CounselAustralian Charities and Not-for Profits Commission

Slow Train Coming

2001 Definition of Charities

2008 Disclosure Regimes for Charities and NFP Organisations

2010 Productivity Commission : Contribution of the Not-for Profit Sector

2010 National Compact

2010 Henry Review

2010 Senate Economic Legislation Committee inquiry

An Australian Charities Commission

a new independent statutory agency, the Australian Charities and Not‑for‑profits Commission (ACNC) Federal Budget May 2011

Charity sector: Who is in?

• Welfare and disability;• (Non Government) Schools, Universities etc;• Churches, Religious organisations• Conservation, Arts, Childcare, Community

infrastructure

Charities Commission

What will ACNC Do?Registration

Information

Compliance

Education and guidance

Guidance

Assistance

Investigation

Graduated Sanctions

Deregistration

Ducks in a row

Governance Standards

A set of principle based minimum governance standards;

Charities must comply to be registered

Ensure a minimum level of accountability

Basic Religious charities are exempt

PRESENTATION TITLE | DATE

Members, Donors, Volunteers, Public

Confidence that the Charity is acting openly, accountably and transparently

For its stated purpose

In an effective and efficient manner

Sunlight is said to be one of the best

Sunlight is said to be one of the best disinfectants.. Louis Brandeis

Why?

Five Governance Standards

• Purposes and character of an NFP entity

• Accountability to members

• Compliance with Australian laws

• Suitability of responsible entities

• Duties of responsible entities

Finding out more: www.acnc.gov.au

Providing you with access to information is a priority for us

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