Australia
Not for Profit News | ACNC
20 February 2019 | Minutes to read: < 1

Not for Profit News | ACNC

By Corrine Siddles

Charities and politics

With federal and NSW elections only months away, some charities might plan to campaign on political issues.

The ACNCโ€™s guidance on election activity, Charities, elections and advocacy, notes that registered charities may undertake activities that are โ€˜aimed at securing or opposing any change to a law, policy or practice in the Commonwealth, a state or territory, or another countryโ€™.

They include:

  • Involvement in the development of public policy
  • Promotion of, or opposition to, particular laws, policies, practices or decisions of governments, and
  • Awareness-raising.

Registered charities cannot promote or oppose a political party or candidate.

Itโ€™s wise for charities to familiarise themselves with the ACNCโ€™s guidance before undertaking any advocacy to ensure that they do not risk their status.

Not for Profit News | ACNC

Corrine Siddles

Corrine is a Partner in our Audit and Assurance division. Corrine's expertise includes the audit of large and small corporations, not for profit entities, the financial services industry, community health centres, self-managed superannuation funds and special purpose audits.

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