Mark Fowler (5 December 2014)
This week the Commissioner of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission released an Interpretation Statement on the Provision of Housing by Charities (CIS 2014/02). As described by the Commissioner, the main issues addressed in the Interpretation Statement are:
- What charitable purposes may be fulfilled through the provision of housing?
- To whom can charitable housing be provided?
- What kinds of housing can be provided as charitable?
- How does commercial activity fit with the provision of charitable housing?
- What kind of interaction can occur between Government and charitable housing providers?
The Interpretation Statement provides a helpful (though arguably not exhaustive) insight into the key principles to be applied by the Commissioner when assessing the purported charitable status of housing providers.
If you require advice as to how the Commissioner’s Interpretation Statement may affect your circumstances please contact our office to speak to Mark Fowler.
DISCLAIMER: This update contains general information only. The information is not all inclusive and should not be considered to be legal advice. You should always obtain legal advice for your specific circumstances before relying on general information.