Who knew Public Benevolent Institutions (PBIs) were such a hot topic right now? Well, definitely the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and the very engaged audience who attended last week’s seminar at QUT.
Hosted by the Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies (ACPNS), this seminar brought together professional advisers, sector leaders and academics to discuss with ACNC staff from the Exposure Draft Commissioner’s Interpretation Statement on PBIs. As the Australian Taxation Office intends to withdraw its outdated tax ruling on PBIs, this seminar answered many questions around the differences between the new statement and the old, how recent cases have changed the view of what a PBI is and whether the definition has contracted or expanded.
Attendees heard from an expert panel which included Murray Baird, Assistant Commissioner, General Counsel of the ACNC; Suhanya Mendes, Legal Counsel, ACNC; Andrew Lind, Director of Corney and Lind Lawyers, Qld Law Society Deputy Chair, Not-for-profits Law Committee member; and Chaired by Prof Myles McGregor-Lowndes, Founding Director of ACPNS.
The ACNC noted a number of issues raised by participants that could assist in making the final statement clearer and more useful.
Question time lit up the room with many in attendance wanting to know exactly how the new statement will affect their organisation and its endeavours. Feedback was very positive with many in attendance expressing their appreciation at having a voice and being able to speak directly with those authoring the statement.
Download a recording of the event
We sincerely thank Dr Matthew Turnour for his personal donation to meet the costs of this event.
