Charities and Associations Law (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2025 Passes House of Assembly

A further step towards modernising the State’s charitable fundraising laws has been taken today.

The Charities and Associations Law (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2025 has passed the House of Assembly.

Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs, Guy Barnett, said this marks a significant milestone in aligning Tasmania’s laws with nationally agreed reforms.

“This Bill reduces unnecessary red tape for charities while strengthening transparency and public confidence in the sector. It builds a stronger community and delivers on the things that matter to Tasmanians,” Minister Barnett said.

The Bill modernises Tasmania’s charity and fundraising laws by aligning them with national harmonisation reforms, including adoption of the Australian Charities and Not for profits Commission (ACNC) cross border recognition model.

“This will reduce duplication for charities operating across multiple jurisdictions and streamline registration and reporting requirements,” Minister Barnett said.

The reforms will also introduce the National Fundraising Principles through a new mandatory Code of Practice, ensuring consistent, transparent and contemporary fundraising standards across the sector.

To better support smaller organisations, the Bill lifts the audit threshold for incorporated associations from $250,000 to $500,000, easing the administrative burden and allowing more resources to be directed to frontline services.

The legislation further strengthens enforcement powers, enabling the Commissioner for Corporate Affairs and the Director of Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading to seek court orders or injunctions in cases of serious non compliance.

“These measures ensure regulators can act swiftly to protect donors and uphold integrity,” Minister Barnett said.

The Bill will now be considered in the Upper House.