Filling in QuestionnaireSummary – The ACNC has conducted a consultation of its regulatory approach…. and the results are now in.

The Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission (ACNC) conducted a public consultation between December 2012 and 1 March 2013 on its preliminary regulatory approach statement.  The consultation has now closed and over 250 people provided feedback through either an online survey, written submissions or via the phone-in day which was held on Wednesday 20 February.

The main purpose of the consultation was to find out what charities and the public think about the initial regulatory approach of the ACNC, particularly:

  • how clearly the regulatory approach statement communicates the approach of the ACNC;
  • whether the statement reflects an accurate understanding of charities and the appropriate approach that the ACNC should adopt;
  • examples of how the ACNC could use its enforcement powers; and
  • general suggestions for improvement.

The ACNC has stated that generally between 80 to 90% of respondents agreed with the statements made by the ACNC in its regulatory approach however many offered suggestions for improving this approach and how the ACNC should go about its work.

The regulatory approach statement and a summary of the survey results including open-ended responses are available here: http://www.acnc.gov.au/ACNC/Contact_us/Pub_consult_comment/RegApCon/ACNC/Edu/Consult_RegApp.aspx

These survey results exclude any results which respondents indicated they did not wish to have published, even anonymously. All written submissions are also available.

The ACNC has stated that it is reviewing all of the responses and revising its regulatory approach statement which is stated to be finalised in April.

If you require any further information please contact Bill d’Apice or Chris Curran.