NSW charities will put more funds towards helping those in need under new reforms that are simplifying fundraising, while continuing to protect donors.
Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said the Better Business Reforms would be a welcome improvement for the more than 5,000 fundraising authority holders in NSW.
"The amount of red tape charities have to deal with is ridiculous," Mr Kean said.
"My Better Business Reforms are getting back to basics and helping charities focus on what they do best – raising funds for important causes in our State.
"These reforms will save charities $15 million over 10 years by getting rid of duplicative reporting requirements, creating a five year license and making the renewal process simpler."
Currently, many charities register and report to both NSW Fair Trading and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).
"Now, if a charity has already gone through the lengthy process of registering with the ACNC, NSW Fair Trading will accept their Commonwealth registration with the appropriate evidence," Mr Kean said.
"Simplifying the Charitable Fundraising Act in this way will save time and allow charities to focus on helping those in need. At the end of the day, that’s what really matters."
NSW residents are the most generous in Australia, donating a total of $1.11 billion dollars in 2015-16, according to Australian Taxation Office data.
"Our reforms strike the right balance by including provisions to ensure that we know how donations are spent. This is about making it easier for charities to raise funds, while also protecting our generous donors," Mr Kean said.
The red tape reduction measures are part of the biggest shakeup of NSW consumer law in more than 30 years.
Minister Kean will introduce the Better Business Reforms, which will also include measures to cut red tape for small business, into Parliament later this month.
