Charities Act Safe for Now - Opposition
7 March 2014 at 4:22 pm
Federal Opposition says the Not for Profit sector has gained a short-term win after the Coalition Government abandoned its attempt to delay the start of the Charities Act.
“The Government has not walked away from its commitment to repeal the Charities Act 2013 and the Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission Act 2012,” Acting Shadow Assistant Treasurer Ed Husic said.
“This means the sector should continue to advocate to retain these important reforms.
“The Charities Act codifies 400 years of common law and establishes a clear criteria for registering a charity. As a result of Labor’s statutory definition, regulators and the broader community now find it easier to define a charity.
“The statute definition will result in fewer costly court cases aimed at getting clarity about the meaning of modern-day charity and charitable purpose.
“Minister Kevin Andrews sought to delay and amend the Act as part of an omnibus Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment Bill, but in the face of opposition has withdrawn that section from the legislation.
“As a result, the Charities Act is safe, for now.”
Husic said Labor would continue to work with stakeholders to pressure the Abbott Government to retain the modern charities definition and charities regulator and to urge Minister Andrews to consult the sector as he had promised.
