ACNC Commissioner Sue Woodward AM spoke at the @SACOSS conference in Adelaide today. Pictured left to right - Cara Varian (CEO NCOSS), Juanita Pope (CEO VCOSS), Sue Woodward (Commissioner ACNC) and Dr Catherine Earl (CEO SACOSS) #VitalSupport

I’ve seen how effective record-keeping can transform a charity’s ability to deliver on its mission. That’s why record-keeping is one of our regulatory priorities for the year ahead - simple practices can make a big difference.

Our Governing For Good Forum was a wonderful opportunity to hear from more than 20 speakers, sharing insights on a range of topics. Let’s keep working together with a shared purpose to continue to build public trust and confidence in Australia’s charities and not-for-profits.

Memorable AGMs always do more than meet their legal obligations. They celebrate achievements, inspire and engage their members and support a smooth handover when board members change. If you’re thinking ahead, my latest column has some practical tips and tools to help you plan.

Great to catch up with @ALeighMP and to launch the Australian Charities Report. It shows that the charity sector is a powerhouse of good, bringing benefits to people and communities who need support. Read more:

Honoured to visit the NT Working Women’s Centre and attend the Northern Territory Volunteer of the Year Awards on a recent visit to Darwin. Always a pleasure to listen and learn from those who do vital work in their communities. Thank you for the warm welcome.

For a national regulator, being on the ground matters. Getting out of the office and into community settings gives us a clearer view of how regulation plays out day to day. It’s how we stay connected, responsive and grounded in the realities charities face.

I was honoured to visit Purple House in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) and hear from CEO Sarah Brown AM. Their model is saving lives – improving access to life saving dialysis in remote communities so people can stay on Country, connected to culture and family.

Great to be on Arrernte country to meet with the charities and not-for-profits making a difference in this remarkable part of Australia. These grassroots organisations are the lifeline of their communities, preserving culture and empowering those who need it most.

Encouraging to see charities navigate rules around political advocacy with confidence. Recent insights show a drop in concerns raised with the ACNC – a positive sign that the sector is finding the balance between speaking up for their causes and staying within the rules.

Technology is transforming how we work, but the real impact of charities still comes from human connection and their mission to serve people. For charities to thrive, governance must keep pace with innovation, ensuring tech is used ethically and with purpose.

Great to recently meet with charity regulators from Canada, England & Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, NZ, Singapore & the US. While our regulatory regimes differ, we’re united in our goal to support good governance and best practice across the sector.

Now that a federal election has been called, it’s important to be mindful of how your charity conducts its advocacy. In the heat of an election campaign, if your charity plans to take a public stance or launch a campaign, make sure it links back to your charitable purpose.

I am very proud to work alongside many remarkable women here at the ACNC. The strong representation of women across all levels of the ACNC also reflects the charity sector we regulate. A sector where the impact of the contribution of women is profound and long standing

Senate Estimates hearings are part of our accountability – in my opening statement I talked about the work we are doing on advocacy to help ensure charities understand how to engage in these activities lawfully.

This Statement is more than just words – it’s our pledge to walk alongside First Nations communities and to incorporate their expertise and experience into our vision for charities in a way that inspires confidence and respect.

The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer shows a decline in public trust across sectors, including charities. While the ACNC plays a pivotal role in regulating and supporting the sector, maintaining public trust is a shared responsibility.

Pro Bono Australia’s Salary Survey 2025 will help provide valuable insights into renumeration trends across the charity sector. Submissions close 15 March 2025.

Great to have Tricia share her insights at our ACNC all-staff meeting. Our collaboration strengthens support for Indigenous Charities

An update about the ACNC's investigation into Hillsong Church charities.