Information Hub launched and shortlisted for ANZIA Awards
16 July 2014
Not-for-profit Law's new Information Hub helps charities and not-for-profits get much-needed legal support to navigate the rapidly changing legal landscape at a critical time for the sector.
The new Hub has been shortlisted for Australia New Zealand Internet Awards.
Not-for-profit Law’s Director, Juanita Pope, said charities and not-for-profits needed help now more than ever with major changes such as the proposed abolition of the ACNC.
Australia’s charities are grappling with unprecedented sector reforms, and there is no end in sight with the Federal Government’s proposed scrapping of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, and significant changes in funding of community services at state levels.
The Not-for-profit Law Information Hub was created with the help of hundreds of volunteer lawyers. It features free, tailored legal information on over 80 topics from charity reporting and good governance to social media and privacy laws.
“The Information Hub has been carefully designed for not-for-profits, which are often run by volunteers – it’s written in their language, and features practical tools to help them with legal problems and keep up to date with changes in the law,” Ms Pope said.
Not-for-profit Law’s Manager of Legal Information, Kate Fazio, said many community organisations were under-resourced and struggled to feel confident that they were on top of legal compliance.
Many of the community organisations we support are busy helping vulnerable people. Legal issues add stress, uncertainty and significant costs that impact on their delivery of services for the community. When we help charities and not-for-profit organisations with their legal issues, they have more time, resources and energy for doing their important work in the community. We are thrilled to be nominated for an ANZIA Award, recognising the importance of good information for charities and not-for-profits
"The Hub is especially important for reaching groups in regional locations where there may not be lawyers with not-for-profit expertise,” Ms Fazio said.
Ms Fazio said the creation of the Information Hub was possible with significant support from the legal profession along with grant funding.
“Pro bono lawyers recognise that the not-for-profit sector is a critical contributor to Australia’s economy, employment and social fabric, and they have contributed thousands of hours to developing the resources on the Hub.”
CEO of the Reach Foundation, Sarah Davies, said that the Information Hub is a unique resource for the not-for-profit sector.
“Having access to such accessible, clear, and comprehensive information is hugely valuable for non-profits. The information and resources are of the highest quality so you can rely on them with confidence and the generous sharing of resources saves so much time and duplication.
“It gives us accurate and trusted content. If we go to Not-for-profit Law, we don’t need to go anywhere else.
“Not-for-Profit Law’s resources challenge our thinking and broaden our perspective, giving us the confidence that we’re on the right track.”
