Submission for the ACNC Repeal Bill Inquiry - 2 May 2014

Retain the ACNC to build sector transparency and efficiency

2 May 2014

This submission outlines the Community Council for Australia (CCA) response to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Repeal Bill 2014.  This is the fourth submission by CCA in relation to the establishment of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC).  CCA has also appeared before the Senate Economics Committee, Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services, and the Senate Community Affairs Committee to give evidence on Bills relating to the ACNC.

CCA want to make it very clear how disappointed we are that the extensive level of consultation and engagement with the charities sector leading up to and since the establishment of the ACNC has been dismissed by a new Government intent on pursuing its own agenda. 

CCA has consistently supported the establishment of an independent and responsive regulator for the charities and not-for-profit sector.  As pointed out in previous submissions; ‘The ACNC is not an instant quick fix, but a long term structural change that will become increasingly important over time.  It will deliver real benefits to not-for-profit organisations, governments, regulators and the broader community.’

This submission outlines the CCA position under the following seven sub headings:

1. The current context
2. The problem – market failure in regulation of the charities sector
3. Consultation and establishment of the ACNC
4. Support for the ACNC
5. The achievements of the ACNC since establishment – six key areas of activity
6. Considering the case for dismantling the ACNC
7. Conclusion.

Senate Hearing - David Crosbie Opening Statement

23 May 2014

Thank you to the Senate and the Economics Committee for the opportunity to present – in many ways we have all been here before. In this opening statement I just want to make three observations that really go beyond what is in our written submission...