In this edition
Welcome to the October edition of Gilbert + Tobin’s Social Sector Spotlight.
In this issue, we explore the latest developments shaping the not-for-profit and charity landscape.
Our feature article examines charitable fundraising and offers practical tips for navigating the complexities of fundraising in a federated system, including key differences between state and territory regimes, the National Fundraising Principles and the Government’s broader red tape reduction initiatives to harmonise fundraising regulation nationally.
We also bring you various sector updates including:
- a summary of Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) resources to help charities run productive and well-organised annual general meetings (AGMs)
- the ACNC’s cyber security tips for Cyber Security Action Month
- highlights from the latest ACNC Commissioner’s Column on leading a charity through changing times
- free AI training for charities and not-for-profits, and an Australian Sanctions Office webinar on targeted financial sanctions
- details on The Education Network’s upcoming 8th Annual Law of Religious Institutions Online Conference, with G+T partner Elizabeth Wighton as part of the speaker line-up
As always, please reach out if we can support you as you pursue your purpose.
Happy reading!
Research and resources
Fundraising without borders: the push for charitable fundraising law harmonisation
Charitable fundraising in Australia is regulated state by state. Charities that fundraise nationally must navigate a patchwork of overlapping regimes and carry a significant compliance burden. State and territory governments have been working to harmonise these regimes. In our latest feature article, we examine Tasmania’s recent reforms, which make it the final jurisdiction with a fundraising regime to pass laws adopting a deemed licence model for charities registered with the ACNC. We also explain where harmonisation now stands. To help charities navigate this complex area, we set out a practical state-by-state guide to each jurisdiction’s deemed licence provisions, including the notification and other conditions that apply.
Read our article Fundraising without borders: the push for charitable fundraising law harmonisation.
ACNC resources for productive and well-organised AGMs
Not all registered charities must hold an AGM, but many choose to, as an AGM is often the clearest way to show accountability to members under ACNC Governance Standard 2. As November is a popular month for AGMs, the ACNC has highlighted resources to help charities run productive, well-organised meetings, including templates for a notice of meeting and an agenda. Charities should first check their governing document, funding contracts and any state or territory regulator rules to confirm what their AGM must cover and who can attend and vote.
Read the ACNC’s guidance on annual general meetings.
Announcements and reminders
ACNC urges charities to strengthen cyber security
To mark Cyber Security Action Month in October 2026, the ACNC is urging charities to take simple, preventative steps to strengthen their cyber security. The theme, ‘Take a second. Stay secure’, highlights that cyber threats often rely on speed and distraction. Pausing to think can help charities spot something unusual and stay in control.
The ACNC recommends that charities turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) for online services, set long and unique passphrases, learn to recognise and report scams, and check and manage their privacy settings to control who can see and access the charity’s private information. The ACNC has also pointed charities to its Cyber Security Governance Toolkit, which includes a cyber security assessment and checklist, as well as templates for charities to use.
Access the ACNC’s Cyber Security Governance Toolkit.
Upcoming events
Free AI training for charities and not-for-profits
Plan International Australia, with support from the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), is offering the free Safe, Effective, Responsible AI for NGOs online course for people in the not-for-profit sector. The four-week program suits beginners and those already using AI. It covers how AI works, its risks and ethical considerations (including for organisations working with vulnerable communities), practical use of AI tools and prompting, and staying current as the technology evolves. A self-paced option is also available, and organisations can access tailored training and support.
Event details
Date: 21 September to 19 October 2026, or 26 October to 16 November 2026
Format: Online (live sessions or self-paced)
Cost: Free
The Education Network – 8th Annual Law of Religious Institutions Online Conference
The Education Network is holding its 8th Annual Law of Religious Institutions Online Conference over three consecutive half-days (21–23 October 2026). The conference examines the legal developments shaping the religious institutions sector. G+T partner Elizabeth Wighton is part of the speaker line-up and will present on the topic ‘Too Complex to Control? The ACNC’s Focus on Charity Structures’. Lawyers can earn 9 CPD points (substantive law) for attending this event.
See the conference brochure for further information.
Event details
Date: Wednesday 21 October to Friday 23 October 2026
Format: Online
Cost: $2,134.00
Australian Sanctions Office – Targeted financial sanctions webinar for financial and non-profit sectors
The Australian Sanctions Office (ASO) is hosting a webinar for professionals in the financial and non-profit sectors working in compliance, risk management, governance, legal, operations, finance or international activities where sanctions risk can arise. The session will cover what targeted financial sanctions mean for organisations, how to identify and manage sanctions risks, how to check whether a person or entity is subject to sanctions, resources available from the ASO, and an overview of the Australian Sanctions Legislation Amendment reforms.
See the ASO website for further information.
Event details
Date: Wednesday 21 October 2026
Time: 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm (Sydney/Melbourne time)
Format: Online
Cost: Free
We acknowledge and pay respect to the custodians of the lands upon which our offices are located – the Gadigal people (Sydney), the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people (Melbourne) and the Whadjuk Nyoongar people (Perth), as well as all custodians across this nation. We also recognise the continuing contribution Indigenous charities, not-for-profit organisations and their supporters, together with all First Nations Peoples, provide in addressing the unique systemic disadvantages arising from historical, societal and structural inequalities. It is an honour and a privilege to support this important work and we thank our First Nations clients, partners and friends for their generosity in sharing their knowledge, culture and experiences with us.