JourneyOnline
UNITINGCARE Australia welcomed the federal government's commitment on Wednesday 17 October to reduce unnecessary and redundant paperwork for the not-for-profit sector.
National Director Lin Hatfield Dodds says that adopting the "report once, use often" principle, which will commence shortly, is an important first step in ensuring that government agencies take responsibility for reducing unnecessary reporting obligations on the sector.
"It is appropriate that the operations of not-for-profit organisations are accountable and transparent," Ms Hatfield Dodds said.
"But the current reporting and regulatory environment is complex and fragmented and is an unnecessary drain on scarce resources.
"For some years now, UnitingCare Australia has been working with governments on ways to reduce the burden of red tape on charities, which often includes duplication not only of reporting requirements but of simple administrative data.
"We call on state governments to follow the Commonwealth's lead and adopt "report once, use often" principles.
"We will be watching how these reforms impact on our services around Australia and will be providing feedback to government.
"UnitingCare Australia supports moves to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the not-for-profit sector.
"In doing so, we are determined to ensure scarce resources are used to improve the lives of vulnerable Australians and that these resources are not wasted on unnecessary paperwork and bureaucratic processes," Ms Hatfield Dodds said.
Photo : Lin Hatfield Dodds. Photo courtesy of UnitingCare Australia
