In our blog on 3 June 2013 we wrote that the Federal Government had introduced the Charities Bill 2013 and Charities (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2013 into Parliament.
On 27 June 2013 only 1 day before Parliament rose and despite resistance from the opposition, the Bills passed unamended and are scheduled to commence on 1 January 2014.
Key elements of the legislation are set out in our blog dated 3 June and it is recommended that charities familiarise themselves with these changes.
Importantly, entities that are already recognised as having a charitable purpose prior to the introduction of the Act will continue to be recognised as charities in accordance with section 12(k) of the Charities Act. For additional information regarding recognition of existing charitable purpose see Item 7 of Schedule 2 to the (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Act 2013.
If you would like any additional information please contact Bill d’Apice (Partner) or Anna Lewis (Lawyer).