2018 is an interesting moment for charity law, policy and regulation in Australia. Major law and policy reforms have been achieved: the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission now looks secure; the Charities Act 2013 has been in place for several years; important tax reforms continue to be pursued. However much remains unclear and undone. The ACNC’s regulatory approach evolves and changes over time and the much-anticipated five year review of the ACNC Act is imminent. The Charities Act remains uninterpreted by the courts. And the political landscape continues to deliver surprising (and not so surprising) twists and turns, as demonstrated by recent efforts to restrict charity advocacy via reforms to the electoral law. It seems as important as ever to reflect on the question: what does the future hold?
The keynote address will be delivered by the Hon Dr Gary Johns (Commissioner, ACNC), who will present Testing charitable purpose and public benefit. The conference will be opened by the Assistant Minister to the Treasurer, the Hon Michael Sukkar MP.
Topics will include the ACNC review, advocacy, the intersection of government, regulation and charity, protecting charity assets, charity litigation, and the implications of National Redress Scheme. Speakers at the conference will include Jennifer Batrouney QC, Garth Blake SC, Professor Matthew Harding, Alice McDougall, Dr Ian Murray, Justice Michael Sifris and Sue Woodward.
