It seems that the Minister for Social Services, Kevin Andrews has plans to abolish the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).

The ACNC was established as the national independent regulator of charities on 3 December 2012 so it has barely had time to make its mark.

What will replace the ACNC?

It is called the Centre for Excellence and according to Minister Andrews, it will become a training centre, a portal of innovation and an advocate for the sector.   The Centre for Excellence will be a much smaller body than the ACNC we have come to know.

Minister Andrews has also delayed the commencement of the Charities Act 2013 until 1 September 2014. In theory, the delay is to give the government time to seek further information and to consult with relevant parties before they make a decision.

The charity and NFP sectors are in for a period of change under this government.  No one is yet quite sure what the impact will be on reporting requirements or how the ACNC will be dismantled.  The only thing we can be sure of is that the NFP sector is once again under scrutiny.  Let’s hope it brings the cut in red tape that we have all been hoping for.

You can find more information in the Pro Bono report “ACNC Replacement Unveiled.”