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Stay up-to-date with the latest law and policy updates impacting your not-for-profit.

Queensland cuts red tape for charities

14 December 2022

Queensland has followed the lead of other states and territories by taking steps to simplify reporting and registration requirements for charities that operate in Queensland.  


Simplified reporting for incorporated associations registered with the ACNC 

Incorporated associations that are registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) are no longer required to lodge an annual return with the Queensland Office of Fair Trading (and pay the annual lodgement fee). They must, however, satisfy their annual reporting obligations to the ACNC and include their Queensland registration number (their IA number) on their ACNC Annual Information Statement. 

This exemption doesn’t apply to charities that are part of group reporting arrangements, or charities whose financial reports or details (for example, revenue) are not published on the ACNC register. 


Authorisation to fundraise in Queensland

The Casino Control and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2022 (QLD) has amended the Collections Act 1966 (Qld) by introducing a ‘cross border recognition scheme’ for charitable fundraising.

Under the new scheme, charities registered with the ACNC will be able to receive a fundraising authorisation from the Queensland Office of Fair Trading simply by requesting this. Deemed registration will allow charities to begin fundraising immediately, without having to follow application requirements under the Collections Act 1966 (Qld). The start date of the scheme hasn’t been announced yet.

  

What’s next for fundraising reform?  

There have been incremental changes to state-based fundraising laws after years of coordinated campaigning to #fixfundraising and reduce red tape for registered charities. There is still work left to do.

In 2023, Justice Connect will continue to advocate for a single set of nationally consistent rules to help ensure ethical fundraising practice.

Read more about our campaign to #fixfundraising and subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates.