Bringing fresh vigour and rigour to the charity sector
18 January 2023 at 9:14 pm
In the final instalment of our #resolutions23 series, new ACNC commissioner Sue Woodward AM is starting 2023 energised, as she looks ahead to the list of tasks she’s ready to tackle.
This article is part of our #resolutions23 series.
The new year brings renewed energy. I am excited to bring my passion for the charity sector to my new role as the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits commissioner in the coming year, and during my entire term.
The ACNC is committed to reducing red tape. Continuing and strengthening that process will be paramount this year, as it has been for me throughout my long career in the charity and not-for-profit sector.
We are also committed to providing quality guidance to charities about how to meet their obligations to us as the regulator – promoting public trust in charities through transparency, accountability and good governance. There is now a comprehensive program of free Governing Charities online short courses, that help build the expertise and skills of those who lead charities, such as board members and CEOs. Developing and refining the full range of guidance and education resources we provide for the sector will be another key focus. Hot topics like accepting donations in cryptocurrency have already had me on the airwaves and us producingnew guidance.
The data we collect from charities through Annual Information Statements and Financial Reports is a rich, comprehensive source of information for the sector, key stakeholders, policy makers and researchers. My goal is to ensure we make that data available in ways which are as clear and accessible as possible. We can work toward that by further developing the Charity Register, the Australian Charities Report and the accompanying interactive data cube (which we make available via data.gov.au).
On a personal note, I resolve to walk to work at least once a week, combining a commute with a constitutional. My trusty uggies served me well during the lockdown era, but it is time bound ahead with fresh vigour and a spring in my step as I take on my new challenge as ACNC commissioner.
