New regulations will allow the Australian Charities and Not‑for‑profits Commission (ACNC) to share more information about how it regulates charities. This will make its actions more open and easier for the public to understand.
Why the ACNC will disclose more information
The ACNC sometimes cancels a charity’s registration. Under the new rules, it must explain why it made this decision.
Information about investigations
If the ACNC takes enforcement action against a charity, it must give the reasons for the action.
Some ACNC investigations do not lead to enforcement action. The government will now allow the ACNC to release information about these investigations when it is in the public interest. The ACNC will apply a public interest test before it discloses this information.
Background
These regulations form part of the 2023–24 Budget measure to increase transparency in ACNC activities. They respond to recommendation 17 of the 2018 review of ACNC legislation.
The changes build on recent amendments that let the ACNC confirm when it is investigating a charity.
