In February 2023, the Australian Government commissioned an independent Review into the Modernising Business Registers (MBR) Program to deliver a comprehensive understanding of the current state of the program and provide recommendations for changes, improvements and strategies to best position it to achieve its intended objectives. The Review has determined that the MBR Program will require further investment in the…

From the 2023–24 income year, non-charitable not-for-profits with an active ABN need to lodge an annual return. To assist not-for-profits in preparing for their first self-review return, the ATO has published new web guidance and provided more information on how to prepare. To view the ATO reporting requirements guidance, click here. To view more detail on the new requirements and…

The Australian Scholarships Foundation presents a range of scholarship opportunities for 2023 and 2024, including: Stanford Australia Foundation Scholarships CPA Non-Profit Scholarships Directing Change Scholarships CPA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Scholarships To view the full range of scholarships available, click here.

The Assistant Minister responsible for the ACNC has announced the new ACNC Advisory Board. The ACNC Advisory Board meets quarterly to support and advise the Commissioner. Appointed by the Minister, it is comprised of up to eight general members with expertise in the charity or not-for-profit sector, the law, taxation or accounting and office holders. General members are appointed for…

Paid family and domestic violence leave for small business From 1 August, employees of small business employers (employers with fewer than 15 employees) can now access 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave in a 12-month period. Employees of all other employers could access this leave from 1 February 2023. What you need to know about the leave:…

On 22 June 2023, the Australian Government passed the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Protecting Worker Entitlements) Act 2023. The legislation introduces changes to the Fair Work Act, with the changes having different start dates. Changes to unpaid parental leave – effective from 1 July 2023 The Fair Work Act now includes greater flexibility for employees taking unpaid parental leave. Employees…

The latest official data shows Australia’s charity sector generated $190 billion in revenue and employed 10.5 % of the workforce, highlighting its significance to the Australian economy and community. The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) has released the 9th edition of the Australian Charities Report. Commissioner Sue Woodward AM said it shows charity revenue, assets and donations grew in…

Connecting Up’s Donations & Discounts program is a partnership with some of the biggest tech companies in the world, to offer heavily discounted hardware and software at exclusive discounts only for not-for-profits. Savings are significant, for example: Microsoft—save up to 92% off RRP Adobe—save up to 87% off RRP Amazon Web Services (AWS)—save up to 86% off RRP Norton Security—save…

Public consultation has opened on the exposure draft bill and explanatory memorandum for Building Community – Deductible gift recipient status for community foundations. The proposed amendments will establish a new class of deductible gift recipients, in order to implement the decision to provide DGR status for up to 28 community foundations affiliated with Community Foundations Australia. To view the Exposure…

Legislative amendments have passed into law, transferring administrative responsibility of four deductible gift recipient (DGR) categories from other government departments to the ATO. The change comes into effect from 1 January 2024 for environmental organisations, harm prevention charities, cultural organisations, and overseas aid organisations or funds. The amendments make all DGR categories consistent in administration and will reduce regulatory burden,…