Fundraising in Australia is regulated by State and Territory fundraising legislation and the Australian Consumer Law. The regulatory landscape is notoriously complex, as each State and Territory has its own unique fundraising legislation and definition of what constitutes ‘fundraising’. Fundraising without the necessary approval may be an offence – both for the organisation and individuals involved.
In February 2023 the Federal Government announced that an agreement had been reached about a set of nationally consistent fundraising principles which will be used to streamline and harmonise fundraising requirements in each State and Territory (‘the Principles’).
All States and Territories are in the process of implementing the Principles, including repealing or ‘switching off’ local fundraising rules so that a charity, no matter where it fundraises, will only need to comply with the Principles.
Moores’ Charities and Not-for-profit team created Fundraising in Motion – National Fundraising Principles Implementation Tracker to help organisations monitor the implementation of Australia’s national fundraising principles.
Click here to see the State and Territory Status Table showing the current status in each jurisdiction.
How we can help
Our Charities and Not-for-Profit team works with organisations of all sizes to navigate the complex and changing fundraising landscape. We can assist with:
- Advising on fundraising compliance across all Australian states and territories, including National Fundraising Principles implementation.
- Interpreting and applying law changes so you understand what they mean for your organisation in practical terms.
- Reviewing fundraising policies, procedures, and appeal materials to ensure they meet current legal requirements.
- Providing training and updates for boards and staff on fundraising obligations and best practice.
- Supporting multi-jurisdictional campaigns, helping you streamline compliance where rules differ.
Contact us
Please contact us for more detailed and tailored help.
Subscribe to our email updates and receive our articles directly in your inbox.