The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) is the independent regulator of charities at the Commonwealth level.
While the Commissioner of Taxation is the Accountable Authority for the ACNC, the ACNC has operational independence.
The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 sets out the ACNC’s objects:
- to maintain, protect and enhance public trust and confidence in the Australian not-for-profit sector
- to support and sustain a robust, vibrant, independent and innovative Australian not-for-profit sector
- to promote the reduction of unnecessary regulatory obligations on the Australian not-for-profit sector.
These objects, or purposes, are achieved through the following activities:
- maintaining a public register of Australian charities
- registering new charities
- revoking the registration of charities that are no longer entitled to registration
- collecting information on charities annually
- providing advice and guidance to charities and the public
- disseminating better practice resources
- enhancing the transparency and good governance of the sector
- monitoring charities for compliance with legal requirements, and acting on identified concerns
- working across governments to reduce unnecessary regulation.
Further details about the ACNC, including its activities and intended results, are provided in its 2021–22 corporate plan, available at acnc.gov.auExternal Link.