In welcome news, the Queensland government has cut red tape for charities that wish to fundraise in Queensland.
From 1 May 2023, charities registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) no longer need to separately register with the Queensland Office of Fair Trading (OFT) for permission to fundraise. Now, charities just need to notify the OFT that they intend to fundraise.
Registered charities that notify OFT in this fashion will also only need to submit annual reporting to the ACNC.
This brings Queensland in line with Victoria, South Australia, the ACT and NSW which have all simplified fundraising licensing requirements for registered charities.
What 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.
In February 2023 in an important milestone for the #FixFundraising campaign, the Commonwealth, state and territory Treasurers agreed to a set of nationally consistent fundraising principles to help ensure ethical fundraising practice for registered charities. Once implemented, these principles will replace seven sets of inconsistent, complex and out of date state and territory laws.
The state and territory governments are tasked with rolling out the national fundraising principles in their jurisdictions and are expected to release their implementation plans by July 2023.
Justice Connect, and our allies in the #FixFundraising coalition, will continue holding the respective Governments to account to ensure these crucial reforms are implemented as soon as possible.
To find out more:
- View our recently updated guide to fundraising in Queensland
- Read more about our campaign to #FixFundraising
- Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates
