Agreement on national charitable fundraising principles

The St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia has welcomed an agreement between the Commonwealth and State and Territory Governments to establish a set of nationally consistent fundraising principles.

National President Claire Victory said inconsistent fundraising rules across Australian states and territories had imposed an administrative burden on charities like the Society.

‘The Society has advocated for several years on the need to streamline, standardise and reform fundraising laws,’ Ms Victory said.

‘The Society welcomes the commitment of the Commonwealth and the States and Territories to a new nationally consistent set of principles for fundraising.

‘The new principles, developed in consultation with the sector, will remove unnecessary administrative burdens on charities and free up time and resources better spent on supporting people in need particularly during national natural disasters.

‘The St Vincent de Paul Society has supported Australians in need for almost 170 years, providing assistance during natural disasters, emergency relief to those who cannot afford the essentials of life, hope to those who are homeless or facing a housing crisis and a range of other support services.

‘The agreement recognises the essential role that charities play in supporting Australians in need and our significant contribution to the broader economy.

‘Charities and local community groups are the glue that holds communities together in times of crisis and when the economy is harsh on low-income earners.

‘While we await further detail on implementation of the new principles, we welcome today’s announcement and the commitment of the Commonwealth and State and Territory Governments to remove unnecessary red tape to free up charities to help Australians in need,’ Ms Victory said.