The Prime Minister and First Ministers today committed to working together towards reducing the regulatory burden on the not-for-profit sector.
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to the terms of reference, work plan and initial milestones for a new Not-for-profit Reform Working Group.
The working group will develop and recommend options for reform of the sector and help progress our not-for-profit reform agenda.
The Gillard Government has committed to working together with the States and Territories on an effective national approach to not-for-profit regulation.
Streamlining and consolidating regulations will reduce red tape and compliance costs and enhance transparency and accountability.
This will help not-for-profit organisations focus on the important work they do in delivering services and supporting vulnerable members of the Australian community.
The Gillard Government has already taken important steps to strengthen the sector.
As part of the 2011-12 Budget, we announced a number of regulatory reforms at the Commonwealth level, including the establishment of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and the development of a statutory definition of charity.
Further information about the Commonwealth Government's not-for-profit reform agenda and copies of the Working Group's terms of reference and work plan are available at www.treasury.gov.au.