An ABC Radio National Background Briefing investigation has re-inforced the divide between the Federal Governments desire to abolish the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) and the opinion of the majority of the sector that the regulator be retained. The stunning report: Who Killed the Charity Watchdog? by reporter Sarah Dingle, has alleged that there has been no proper consultation with charities and not-for-profits, and that the Federal Governments agenda is being driven by selected religious and financial services interests. Interviewed as part of the investigation, Social Services Minister Kevin Andrews denied the claims. But a number of figures in the charity and not-for-profits sphere interviewed for the report disagreed. Other revelations made during the report included: * That a major charitable trust which donates money to a high profile Melbourne hospital has lost tens of millions of dollars while still paying the corporate trustee which oversees it millions of dollars in fees. According to Community Council of Australia CEO David Crosbie, this loss comes despite the foundation growing its non-trust capital by 10% and distributing $80 million to the hospital in the same timeframe. * Confirmation from ACNC Commissioner Susan Pascoe that the body has finalised what has been termed a Proof of Life list of between 4500 and 5000 charities still hold tax-deductible status but who have not responded to ACNC requests for confirmation that they are still in operation and still carry out charitable work. Dr Pascoe said those organisations now face being struck off the tax concessions list as some may not be genuine charities. To listen to or download a podcast of the full program, visit the link below:
Posted on: Sun, 06 Jul 2014 00:40:47 +0000
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