Local Government Act Review

We would encourage CEWA members to keep a watching brief on discussions with the review of the Local Government Act as there are a few questions being asked, which have the potential to significantly impact NFPs. In particular, there is a question being asked as to whether Charities should pay rates. Clearly, if introduced, this would create a significant impost on many already financially stretched charities. Attached is a 5 page summary paper on the matter.

For further information on how to make a submission, or to attend one of the workshops which are being held around the State, please see the following link https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/localgovernment/strengthening/Pages/LG-Act-Review.aspx

Supporting Communities Forum

DPC has recently loaded the Working Group Project plans for the Supporting Communities Forum on its website.

To recap, the seven Working Groups are:

The Collaboration Working Group

The Communication Working Group

The Data Sharing and Linkage Working Group

The Homelessness Working Group

The Our Communities Report Working Group

The Outcomes Framework Working Group

The Procurement Reform Working Group

There is much work going on ‘behind the scenes’ with these plans, and they can be viewed here https://www.dpc.wa.gov.au/Councils-and-Committees/Supporting-Communities-Forum/Pages/default.aspx

Modern Award Change

For members who may not have seen it, as part of its four year review of the Modern Awards, the Fair Work Commission handed down a decision effective 1st August, to allow for up to 5 days leave for family and domestic violence. Further information can be viewed here https://workplace.moray.com.au/publication/update-on-family-and-domestic-violence-leave-entitlements/

Office of Evaluator General

On Tuesday, Andrew Leigh the Shadow Minister for Charities and NFPs, gave a speech at the Australian National University, and announced that should Labor win government in next year’s Federal election, an Office of Evaluator General will be established within Treasury at a cost of $5Mpa. The mandate of the Evaluator General will be “ to work with departments across the government to conduct high-quality evaluations of government programs – preferably randomised trials”. It will be interesting to see if this creates further regulatory / compliance work for the sector, and we will seek to explore this with him when we meet next week. His lengthy speech can be viewed here http://www.andrewleigh.com/building_a_better_feedback_loop_speech_canberra

Accounting Standards update

Following a meeting this week, the AASB intends to issue an Exposure Draft shortly proposing significant changes to accounting for peppercorn leases under AASB 1058/AASB 16, effective 1 January 2019. This may be of particular interest to your CFOs. Further information can be viewed here https://www.aasb.gov.au/admin/file/content102/c3/195-ActionAlert.pdf

CEWA AGM

Just a reminder for those who haven’t RSVP’d, the CEWA AGM is being held on 29 November. Grahame Searle from Department of Communities and Lorna Pritchard from Lotterywest will be our guest speakers.