UnitingCare Australia welcomes steps towards solid not for profit reform

UnitingCare Australia has welcomed the Government’s decision to postpone important not for profit reform measures until next year.

Under the new arrangements the regulation of governance standards will not come into effect until July next year and the first financial reports for medium and large entities will be due in 2014.

Responding to the Government’s announcement on May 17, National Director Lin Hatfield Dodds said the decision was a significant step forward that would allow time to consider complex issues.

“Establishing a new national regulator for a sector as diverse as the not for profit sector needs to be done carefully,” Ms Hatfield Dodds said.

“We welcome the Government’s decision to phase in the establishment of the Commission starting with its role as a register.

“This move gives the Government, the not for profit sector and the Australian Charities and Not for profit Commission (ACNC) time to work through some of the complexities surrounding reporting and governance obligations.

“The decision shows the Government is serious about ensuring the sector’s diversity is protected.

“Today’s announcement is a smart move. Taking the time to get this right will ensure everyone benefits from a strong and effective not for profit sector.

“UnitingCare Australia has worked closely with the Government on these reforms and we look forward to working with the new Commission,” Ms Hatfield Dodds said.

The UnitingCare network provides social services to over two million people each year in 1,300 sites in remote, rural and metropolitan Australia. UnitingCare employs 35,000 staff and 24,000 volunteers.