In what appears to be a “small victory” for the charity sector, consumer affairs ministers have agreed to clarify through “regulatory guidance”, the application of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) to fundraising.
A statement from the meeting of consumer affairs ministers in Melbourne said: “Regulators will issue guidance clarifying the current application of the ACL to the activities of charities, not-for-profit entities and fundraisers.”
It also said the ministers would “assess the effectiveness of the proposed guidance on not-for-profit fundraising, further regulatory actions, and whether any amendment to the ACL is necessary” during 2018-19.
The nod to fundraising regulations came after the not-for-profit sector made a concerted push on Wednesday ahead of the minister’s meeting.
A coalition of more than 180 organisations urged governments to reform fundraising regulations, which advocates described as a “total dog’s breakfast”.
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