Law and policy updates Upcoming due date to lodge NFP self-review return
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is encouraging not-for-profits to act now to meet the 31 October due date for lodging the second NFP self-review return. You can use their self-review return guide to assess eligibility for income tax exemption and run through the NFP tax super and registry responsibilities checklist. The ATO has released a new webpage highlighting this deadline and other key reporting dates for not-for-profit organisations. You can use it to check whether your not-for-profit organisation is up to date with its tax and super obligations. You can also find more information in Assistant Commissioner Jennifer Moltisanti’s August blog post. ACNC guide for complex structures
The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) has released new guidance to help charities operating within a complex structure. Their new guidance outlines areas of governance that charities within a complex structure need to focus on. They include policies and procedures, record-keeping, common boards and directorships, board meetings, roles within complex structures, conflicts of interest, and related party transactions. FWC calls for further submissions on SCHADS Award change
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) is reviewing modern award classifications and minimum wage rates on work value grounds to remedy potential gender-based undervaluation, starting with 5 priority awards. This includes the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry (SCHADS) Award. Having considered submissions emphasising the need for more time and a collaborative process, the FWC has now directed that further submissions be lodged by late August to early September 2025. On the SCHADS Award specifically, the FWC has set a deadline of 6 September for further submissions. FWO inquiry into compliance with workplace laws in the disability support services sector
The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has launched an inquiry into compliance with workplace laws in the disability support services sector. In the first phase of the inquiry, the FWO will engage workers, managers, directors, digital platform providers, and clients who require disability support services about their workplace experiences within the sector, and assess whether minimum entitlements relating to wages and conditions are being met. To find out more about the inquiry, including information about how to participate in the inquiry, see the FWO website. Victoria: New self-assessment tool for Social Services Standards
The Victorian Social Services Regulator has launched a new voluntary self-assessment tool for service providers to assess their preparation and progress towards meeting the six Social Service Standards. After completing checklists to identify specific gaps and opportunities, providers can then apply these insights to assess their progress in meeting a Standard and make an action plan. The self-assessment tool is available online. You can share feedback about using or improving the tool with engage@ssr.vic.gov.au. Victoria: Timeline for providing details to the new Early Childhood Workforce Register
The Victorian Government is establishing an Early Childhood Worker Registration Scheme. It will be mandatory for all service providers receiving kindergarten funding to use the Workforce Register to capture information about all relevant employees in their service. These services will have until Friday, 29 August to update information for existing teachers and educators, and add employees not already captured in the new Workforce section. Services will be required to update this information quarterly. |
