ACNC - Data on complaints and disclosure application

Question

Senator SHOEBRIDGE: Yes. I understand-and I'm grateful for the research done by journalists associated with Michael West-that, between 7 October 2023 and 31 December 2025, almost 900 concerns, relating to 88 charities, in connection with the Israel-Gaza conflict were received by the ACNC. Can you validate whether or not that data is right? Do you have other data that could update that? Ms Woodward: I would have to take on notice the data used in that article. That's not typically how we report it, and it's about particular charities. So, to be sure, I would need to take that on notice. CHAIR: You have 10 minutes, Senator Shoebridge. Senator SHOEBRIDGE: Thank you, Chair. Have you considered whether or not you would use any of those new disclosure laws to indicate whether or not investigations have been commenced or there is a systemic concern to the not-for-profit sector, given what would appear to be a wave of complaints? Ms Woodward: The provisions with the exemptions are not retrospective. That is probably, in this context, an important factor to note. If there were a new investigation that met the criteria, we may disclose it. One thing I would just add as background there is that sometimes, in these very serious matters, we might be working with other investigative agencies, and as part of our collaboration with them, if they have concerns about us making an investigation public if it could jeopardise their investigations, that would obviously be a determining factor in whether we would announce that. But, particularly in reference to what you're referring to, this provision wasn't retrospective. Senator SHOEBRIDGE: I think you've taken on notice any data that you can give in relation to that. Ms Woodward: Yes.

Answer

See attached response.

Documents

• Question with answer (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
• SQ26-000459 ACNC - Data on complaints and disclosure application.pdf (opens in a new tab)