ACNC celebrates 10 years

The national charity regulator commemorates contributions made to the for-purpose sector over its first decade in operation.

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) is celebrating its 10th anniversary as the national charity regulator.

Key industry leaders and stakeholders commemorated the significant milestone at an event held at Melbourne’s Koorie Heritage Trust. 

See more: EXCLUSIVE: Meet the new ACNC commissioner

Acting commissioner Deborah Jenkins led the proceedings, recognising the contribution of charities to the Australian community.

“Before the ACNC was established there was nowhere to take complaints, there was no database on charities’ finances and activities, and there were complex and duplicated regulatory and reporting arrangements.

“Now as we mark 10 years of the ACNC, we can be confident that most Australian charities are well-governed and operate with sound financial management. Overwhelmingly, charities exist to do good, and most do the right thing. They truly deserve the support of the Australian community. The contribution that they make to the community is vital.”

The ACNC was established on 3 December 2012 in response to growing calls from charities to have a centralised body that guides and supports the Australian not-for-profit sector.

It aims to build public trust in charities, support innovation and independence, and promote the reduction of unnecessary regulatory obligations. Over the past 10 years, the ACNC has registered almost 26,000 charities and received almost 13,000 reported concerns.

Today is our 10th anniversary! pic.twitter.com/vtHHLVxBzH

— ACNC (@ACNC_gov_au) December 3, 2022

“In December 2012, a Pro Bono News article quoted several charity leaders about the significance of the establishment of the ACNC at that time… Those comments illustrate charities’ goodwill and enthusiasm for the ACNC. That is not surprising given it was charities themselves, all of you, who lobbied to create it,” said Jenkins.

Jenkins also emphasised the objectives of the charity regulator moving forward, which include maintaining public confidence in not for profits, continuing sector consultation, cutting red tape, supporting an innovative sector and enhancing the Charity Register.

“We tell charities that they need to be clear about their purpose. That they need to check in as they grow, to ensure their operations are in line with their charitable purpose. That is just as true for us. As the sector has evolved over the past decade, we have changed the way we do things in many ways, but we always stay true to our objects,” continued Jenkins.

“The ACNC’s 10th anniversary is a significant milestone, and a wonderful opportunity to reflect, take stock and ensure the organisation is heading in the right direction. We have very clear objects set out in legislation, and they are our North Star.”

Assistant charities minister Andrew Leigh made a virtual appearance at the event, sharing his hopes for the future direction of the commission and its role in supporting charities as they face ongoing challenges, including declining volunteering and donation rates.

“[The ACNC] play[s] a powerful role in being a point of contact for charities. Not a soft touch regulator, but a regulator with a listening ear, a willingness to engage and to provide data to the community as to the health of the charitable sector,” said Leigh.

“The work that the charities commission has done to bring together data on the sector ought to help spur a national conversation about how great it is to give to charities; about the ‘helper’s high’; the joy of starting a new organisation; the pleasure of volunteering with a community group.

“I’m excited, too, to see what the charities commission does in the decade to come… I’d love to see the charities commission engaging even more with states and territories to remove that unnecessary regulation.”

Ending his speech, Leigh invited the public to be part of shaping the commission and building innovation in the sector. It comes as the assistant minister today announced a number of open virtual roundtable forums with Australian charities to gather ideas about rebuilding public trust and community engagement.

Having held in-person “Building Community” forums in all eight capital cities, we’re now moving online.

From 12 noon – 1 pm (AEDT), I’m hosting the first of our virtual forums to chat with Australian charities.

Register: https://t.co/U439iYEZz1 #auspol #Reconnected pic.twitter.com/qZMfDEf6oC

— Andrew Leigh (@ALeighMP) December 5, 2022

Other speakers at the event included Alannah and Madeline Foundation’s CEO Sarah Davies AM; Victorian Legal Services Commissioner and inaugural deputy chair of the ACNC advisory board, Fiona McLeay; and co-director of Be Slavery Free, Carolyn Kitto, representing the first charity to register with the ACNC in 2012.

Recently-appointed incoming ACNC commissioner Sue Woodward AM, assistant commissioner Anna Longley and other members of the regulator’s board and staff also attended.

See more: ACNC appointment welcomed effusively by sector

Celebrations continued on Twitter, with several prominent sector professionals offering their congratulations to the commission.

Happy 10th birthday @ACNC_gov_au. I am so proud to have played a part in establishing an amazing organisation that can do so much social good. Wished I had been able to join you today x https://t.co/sfmZzmkbiW @nfp_nerd @ACNCommissioner https://t.co/goEoWLcAG2

— David LockeAFCA (@DavidLockeAFCA) December 2, 2022

Great reflections from @Sarah_K_Davies and @ACNCommissioner today at the 10 year birthday celebrations for the @ACNC_gov_au. Looking forward to the next 10 with Commissioner Woodward (@nfp_nerd) at the helm. #ACNC10years pic.twitter.com/7yE6WRyLvk

— Bridgid Cowling (@Bridgid_Cowling) December 2, 2022

Congratulations from a former @Nasconet1 president! This is momentous anniversary in charity regulation. @ACNC_gov_au does such good and valuable work. Truly a leader in the international charity regulator community. #ACNC10years #KeepItUp @ACNCommissioner

— Michael T. Foerster (@mtfoerster) December 2, 2022