Towards the end of 2018, two pieces of legislation relating to foreign donations were passed by the Parliament, both of which may affect a small number of charities.
1. Foreign Donations reform
The Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Funding and Disclosure Reform) Act 2018 came into effect on 1 January 2019 and bans donations of more than $100 from foreign governments and state-owned enterprises to all political parties, individual candidates and significant political campaigners.
To view more detail on this legislation, click here.
2. Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme
The Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme came into effect on 10 December 2018. Its purpose is to provide the public and government decision-makers with visibility of the nature, level and extent of foreign influence on Australia’s government and political process.
A limited number of charities that undertake activities on behalf of a foreign principal may need to register for the Scheme.
A foreign principal may include a foreign government or government-related entity, a foreign political organisation or a foreign government-related individual.
To view more on this legislation, click here.
