On 10 August 2017, the Charitable Fundraising Amendment
(Inquiries) Bill 2017 (NSW) (Bill) passed
both houses of Parliament and came into force amending the
Charitable Fundraising Act 1991 (NSW)
(Act) from 14 August 2017.
In his second reading speech, the Minister for Innovation and
Better Regulation Matt Kean cited recent high profile instances of
financial impropriety, including the misuse of funds, by charities
or persons involved in charities as having the potential to
undermine public confidence in charitable organisations
broadly.
The remedy proposed is to enhance the inquiry powers available
under the Act by adding Ministerial discretion to hold a public
inquiry in relation to any matter under section 26 of the Act and
in circumstances where the Minister deems it in the public interest
to so do.
