Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)

The Australian Government is committed to reducing red tape for the charities and not-for-profit sector, and supporting organisations to focus more on their work in the community. The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) was established in 2012 as an independent national regulator of charities and not-for-profits. In 2016, the Government announced it would retain the independent regulator of the charities and not-for-profits sector, and cease the development of the Civil Society National Centre for Excellence.

The decision for continued support came after consultation with the sector indicating overwhelming backing of the ACNC as an independent regulator of charities across Australia. The Australia’s Charities and Not-for-profits Consultation Report highlighted the strong level of ongoing support for the continued role of the ACNC.

The ACNC has a focus on championing charities, working with them to become more effective, and helping them improve their governance.

The Government will continue to work with the ACNC, states and territories, and the sector to identify areas where the burden of red tape for charities and not-for-profit organisations can be reduced.

Last updated: