TasCOSS has welcomed moves by the State Government to relieve some of the duplicated regulatory burden applied to very small charitable organisations in Tasmania.
CEO of TasCOSS Kym Goodes said moves to harmonise the State’s Associations Incorporation Bill with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) audit requirements was welcome assistance to those organisations across Tasmania working hard to improve their communities.
“In the community services sector, about 22 per cent of the State’s more than 350 not-for-profit organisations have income under the proposed new threshold ($250,000) and would no longer have to double up on their audit reporting,” Ms Goodes said.
“These organisations tend to be the ones providing a range of housing and family support services in the most isolated areas of our State: in many cases they are the glue that holds these towns together,” she said.
“They are reliant on volunteers in most cases and provide essential grassroots work that lifts their communities and increases participation—both socially and economically—in those areas.”
Ms Goodes said the proposed amendments were a good example of how government can respond to those organisations that are otherwise at risk and can disappear based on the burden of reporting requirements.
“There are many businesses and organisations around Tasmania that recognise the contribution of not-for-profit and charitable work by providing discounted amenities and services,” she said.
“Many Local Councils provide discounted rates for NGOs and hotels, function venues and other service providers often negotiate lower prices with our Members in recognition of the good work they put back into our communities.”
TasCOSS is the peak body for the community services sector in Tasmania and advocates on behalf of disadvantaged Tasmanians.
CEO of TasCOSS Kym Goodes
