This is my last Commissioner’s column. As I announced earlier this year, I will step down as ACNC Commissioner at the end of the month, writes outgoing ACNC commissioner, Dr Gary Johns..
Over my time as Commissioner, I have come to understand that good governance is the backbone of Australia’s charity sector. The ACNC understands how crucial it is that we support it, and later this month, we will launch a major free resource for board members and other charity leaders to strengthen governance in the Australian charity sector.
The ACNC Governing Charities online learning program is designed to support sector leadership and transparency. Anyone who wants to improve their leadership and governance of an Australian charity will benefit from the program. If you are on the board or committee of a charity, or in another kind of leadership role, the program will boost the skills and expertise you need to perform your role effectively. It is self-paced, online and free.
The official launch is on Thursday, 28 July at our annual Regulators Day. We will provide further details and links to the program after the launch.
We are working with the Australian Taxation Office on Director IDs - an initiative that will boost accountability and transparency in the sector. Directors of charities that are either companies, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations, must apply for a Director ID. Director IDs are unique 15-digit identifiers that are designed to help eradicate illegal phoenixing and other fraudulent activity. Directors apply once and keep their number forever. There is more information about who needs to apply and application deadlines here.
Due to recent reforms, it is anticipated that some not-for-profits with deductible gift recipient status will be entitled for registration as charities. The ACNC is also working with the ATO to ensure that those organisations that have charitable purposes become registered as soon as possible.
To everyone who works with or for a charity, as well as the millions of people who generously volunteer their time, I applaud your commitment and wish you well as you strive to make a difference day in, day out. Assuredly, the ACNC will continue to support you in your charitable endeavours.
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Good governance is the backbone of Australia's charity sector (ACNC)
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Dr Gary Johns (Channel 9/A Current Affair)
