How to start a not for profit: Meeting legal and tax obligations | Part 2

Melinda Gibbs, Technical Leader, NFP/FBT Advice, ATO Melinda Gibbs is an Australian Tax Office specialist who loves working directly with Not for Profits and charities to achieve the best tax outcomes. For six years, Melinda has been the technical leader of the Not for Profit and Fringe Benefit Tax teams, which answer questions with tailored advice on the ATO’s dedicated Not for Profit information line. The teams also provide guidance and process applications for endorsement for charity tax concessions and deductible gift recipients (DGR).

Anna Lyons, Manager of Advice, Justice Connect Not-for-profit Law Anna Lyons is the Manager of Advice at Justice Connect Not-for-profit Law, a legal service for not-for-profit community organisations. Prior to joining Justice Connect, Anna worked at a commercial law firm and gained experience advising not-for-profit organisations and delivering training for the community sector as a member of the firm’s charity law team. Anna has a particular interest in governance, taxation of not-for-profit organisations and social enterprises. Anna regularly advises and presents training to members of the community looking to start a new not-for-profit organisation.

Murray Baird, Assistant Commissioner, General Counsel Murray Baird joined ACNC after a career as a private legal practitioner practising in not-for-profit and charity law and governance. He was previously Senior Partner and leader of the not-for-profit group at Moores Legal, Melbourne. As well as advising, writing and presenting on not-for-profit legal issues, Murray has acted in several leading cases in the field of charity law. Murray also has practical experience of not-for-profit issues through a number of leadership roles in the sector. He has been Chairman of Ansvar Insurance (a specialist insurer in the not-for-profit sector), Chairman of First Samuel Limited (an investment adviser and manager for many in the sector) and Chairman of the National Housing Company which is engaged in affordable housing. He has also served on boards of schools, church and community organisations. Murray was formerly a Director of Australian Charity Law Association and Appeals Officer for the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) Code of Conduct.