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Title : CHARITY RULES ADDRESS COMMUNITY CONCERNS
Minister : Bill Wood MLA
US71/03
Tuesday 23 September 2003
CHARITY RULES ADDRESS COMMUNITY CONCERNS
Urban Services Minister Bill Wood today announced details of new
charity collection Regulations under the Charitable Collections
Act 2003, which commences on 9 October.
"I am pleased to announce that the Regulations have been finalised
in close consultation with relevant charity groups in the ACT,"
Mr Wood said.
"The new legislation includes requirements for individuals
and organisations collecting donations for charity purposes to apply
for a licence to operate in the ACT, display an identification tag,
and comply with new reporting rules.
"The Government recognises the impact of the new legislative
requirements on some sections of the charity community, particularly
the education sector, and has amended the Regulations under the
Act to cater for their special needs.
"Changes that have resulted from community consultation on
the Regulations include:
* exempting organisations affiliated with schools, such as Parents
and Citizens Associations and similar organisations, conducting
collections for educational purposes;
* exempting voluntary contributions to a school;
* requiring receipts for donations to be supplied only when requested;
* allowing children under adult supervision under 6-years of age
to take part in collections; and
* specifying the minimum information required for financial reporting.
"These changes are further to those already put forward by
the Government, which exempt:
* individuals and organisations collecting less than $15 000 in
a financial year;
* organisations accredited with the Australian Agency for International
Development (AUSAID); and
* proceeds from sponsorships by corporations for charitable purposes.
"The changes to the Regulations are the result of a series
of fruitful consultations with relevant stakeholders.
"The process began with the release of a Consultation Draft
of the Charitable Collections Regulations on 30 June, and included
a public meeting hosted by the Fund Raising Institute of Australia,
and a call for written submissions from all interested people and
organisations.
"In addition, the Government is employing a facilitator to
help affected people become familiar with the new legislation and
comply with its provisions.
"I thank all those who contributed to the discussion on the
Regulations, and urge relevant individuals and organisations involved
in charity collections to apply for a license under the new legislation
in time for the October 9 commencement," Mr Wood said.
The Charitable Collections Act 2003 and its Regulations can be
viewed at www.legislation.act.gov.au.
Further information and the licence application forms are available
by contacting Natalija Razov at Urban Services on 6207 6154, Email:
Natalija.Razov@act.gov.au.
Media Contact: Andrew Rhodes Phone: 6205 0300(w) 0412 821 274(m)
Bill Wood MLA
MINISTER FOR URBAN SERVICES MINISTER FOR DISABILITY, HOUSING AND
COMMUNITY SERVICES
MINISTER FOR POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES MINISTER FOR ARTS AND
HERITAGE
MEMBER FOR BRINDABELLA
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