NO.012

The Inquiry into the definition of charities and related organisations has been granted

an extension of time to 30 June 2001 within which to complete its report.

To date, the Committee has received more than 350 submissions from interested

individuals and organisations. Given the number of submissions to be considered by the

Committee, and the complexity of the issues involved, the Chairman of the Inquiry, the Hon

I.F. Sheppard AO, has asked that the Government extend the reporting date for the Inquiry

from 31 March 2001 to 30 June 2001.

The Government is keen to ensure that the Committee has adequate time to fully consider

all the issues involved in this important Inquiry and has agreed to this extension.

The Prime Minister announced the details of the inquiry into definitional issues

relating to charitable, religious and community sector not-for-profit organisations on 18

September 2000.

The members of the Inquiry Committee are: (Chairman) the

Hon I.F. Sheppard AO QC, former Judge, Supreme Court of NSW and

Federal Court of Australia; Mr Robert Fitzgerald, Commissioner of Community

Services NSW and former President of ACOSS; and Mr David Gonski, Principal of

Wentworth Associates and member of the Prime Minister’s Community-Business

Partnership.

The Committee is being assisted by a secretariat drawn from relevant Commonwealth

departments and the community sector.

Further information is available on the Inquiry’s internet site (www.cdi.gov.au) and from the Secretariat

to the Inquiry (telephone 02 6263 4346).

CANBERRA

8 March 2001