Charitable cut to red tape passes Parliament

Charities will spend less time navigating red tape and more time helping Tasmanians, following the passage of the Charities and Associations Law (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2025 through Parliament.

Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs, Guy Barnett, said the reforms would reduce the regulatory burden on the not-for-profit sector while strengthening transparency, accountability and consumer protections.

“These reforms will make it easier for charities to focus on helping Tasmanians by cutting unnecessary red tape and reducing duplication,” Minister Barnett said.

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

"To support smaller organisations, the audit threshold for incorporated associations will increase from $250,000 to $500,000, easing administrative costs and allowing more resources to be directed to frontline services.”

The Bill further strengthens accountability through a new mandatory Code of Practice, based on the National Fundraising Principles, which promote ethical, transparent and accountable fundraising practices.

Enhanced enforcement powers will enable 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.

“A key part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future is cutting red tape to ensure processes are simple and efficient while maintaining appropriate safeguards,” Minister Barnett said.

“By reducing unnecessary red tape while strengthening consumer protections, the reforms strike an appropriate balance between supporting the sector and maintaining public confidence.”