Slashing red tape for Tasmanian charities

The Tasmanian Government is slashing red tape for Tasmanian charities to make it easier for them to support Tasmanians in need following the passage of the Charities and Associations Law (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2024 in the House of Assembly.

Minister for Housing, Planning, and Consumer Affairs, Felix Ellis, said that the Bill will reduce the red tape burden on charities, while also strengthening compliance and enforcement abilities.

“When Tasmanians donate to a cause that’s important to them, they should be able to feel confident that their donations are making a difference,” Minister Ellis said.

"Reducing red tape for charities will ultimately reduce the cost for charities to operate, meaning a greater percentage of donations will be used for their intended cause.

“Through our Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we will continue to slash red tape across our industries, making life easier for Tasmanians.”

The key changes introduced in the Bill include:

•    implementing a cross-border recognition model for charitable fundraisers, providing that registration with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) authorises a charity to fundraise in each jurisdiction;

•    provide for the National Fundraising Principles to be adopted via a Code of Practice to be made as Regulations;

•    harmonising the reporting thresholds for all charities; and

•    strengthening the compliance and enforcement provisions under the Collections for Charities Act 200.