The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) is assessing the operations of two charities which have received funds and goods related to drought relief.
The ACNC has contacted Rural Aid Ltd and Aussie Helpers Ltd to seek assurances that the influx of donations they are given gets to the people in need, following concerns raised in the media.
ACNC Commissioner, Gary Johns said the Commission’s role was to ensure charities were transparent and accountable.
“Australians have been incredibly generous and donated huge amounts of money and goods to help those affected by the drought,” Dr Johns said.
“We have contacted two charities who are coordinating drought relief efforts to ensure donated goods and funds are being managed appropriately.”
He said ACNC staff had visited the operations of the charities and were working with them to understand their work and confirm they had procedures and practices in place to manage the large number of donations they had received.
“Our enquiries are still ongoing; however, both charities have fully cooperated,” Dr Johns said.
He said the ACNC was prevented by secrecy provisions in the ACNC Act from disclosing any further details about its enquiries or the nature of the concerns received.
“If the ACNC takes formal compliance action against a charity, this will appear on the Charity Register listing and on the ACNC website,” Dr Johns said.
