A Tour of Charity and Not-For-Profit Government Organisations

The charity and not-for-profit (NFP) sector is a complex one from a legal and organisational perspective. There are several government organisations which regulate, oversee, or provide services to the sector. In this article we provide with a brief tour of the various relevant organisations to keep an eye out for.

Commonwealth

ACNC

The Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission. Oversees the registration and regulation of charities and some NFPs.

https://www.acnc.gov.au/

ATO

The Australian Tax Office. Oversees and regulates Commonwealth (i.e. federal) tax concessions and exemptions for charities and NFPs.

https://www.ato.gov.au/Non-profit/

ASIC

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Regulates fundraising from the public (see also Consumer Affairs Victoria, below). May also be needed for incorporating your organisation, depending on the legal structure you chose.

https://asic.gov.au/

ORIC

Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations. Regulates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations. May be needed for incorporating your organisation, depending on the legal structure you chose.

https://www.oric.gov.au/

ACCC

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Regulates on consumer law, and may be relevant for fundraising, particularly misleading and deceptive conduct in the course of soliciting funds from the public.

https://www.accc.gov.au/

State (Victoria)

CAV

Consumer Affairs Victoria. Regulates and registers fundraising activities (see also ASIC, above). May also be needed for incorporating your organisation, depending on the legal structure you chose.

https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/clubs-and-fundraising

VCGLR

Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation. Regulates and licences gambling and liquor. Some forms of fundraising, such as raffles, may require a licence.

https://www.vcglr.vic.gov.au/

SRO

State Revenue Office. Oversees and regulates State tax rebates and exemptions for charities and NFPs.

https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/

Contact us for advice on your charity or not-for-profit organisation!