NSW Fundraising Reforms Harmonise with ACNC Framework

NSW Fair Trading News

Published April 1st, 2026

Detected April 2nd, 2026

Summary

NSW Fair Trading has commenced fundraising reforms effective 1 April 2026 that harmonise NSW charitable fundraising laws with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) framework. The reforms introduce a 'deemed authority' mechanism allowing ACNC-registered charities to automatically fundraise in NSW without separate state authority, while removing duplicative NSW-specific reporting and record-keeping requirements. The 16 National Fundraising Principles are now prescribed conditions for all NSW authority holders.

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What changed

The reforms establish a new consistent regulatory model for charitable fundraising in NSW. Key changes include: automatic 'deemed authority' status for charities with ACNC registration (eliminating the need for separate NSW fundraising authority applications); removal of NSW-specific Statement of Compliance submissions; elimination of duplicative NSW record-keeping requirements for ACNC-registered charities; simplified financial reporting so ACNC-registered incorporated associations comply only with ACNC requirements; and adoption of the 16 National Fundraising Principles as prescribed conditions replacing outdated Standard Conditions.

Charities that previously held NSW fundraising authorities were automatically transitioned to deemed authority on 1 April 2026 and may continue fundraising without notifying the ACNC. Organisations should verify their deemed authority status, review how the National Fundraising Principles apply to their operations, and update internal compliance processes and reporting systems to align with the harmonised framework.

What to do next

Verify your organisation's deemed authority status under the new framework
Review operations against the 16 National Fundraising Principles now prescribed for NSW authority holders
Update internal compliance processes to align with harmonised ACNC reporting requirements
Assess whether duplicative NSW-specific procedures can be eliminated

Source document (simplified)

Departmental release

NSW Fundraising reforms brings state into line with national standards

Published: 1 April 2026 Released by: NSW Fair Trading Listen Significant changes which streamline the regulation of charitable fundraising and harmonise NSW laws with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) framework are now in effect.

The reforms significantly reduce the administrative and regulatory burden associated with cross‑border fundraising, enabling charities to dedicate more time and resources to their core mission.

By cutting unnecessary red tape, the NSW Government is helping charities to maximise their operational impact and strengthen the essential services they provide to communities across the state.

The reforms support the national commitment to harmonising charitable fundraising regulation and making compliance easier for charities by:

Allowing registered charities to use their ACNC registration to automatically fundraise in NSW under a 'deemed authority', supporting the national 'tell us once' initiative.
Removing the need for ACNC-registered charities to submit the NSW-specific Statement of Compliance to the ACNC, so financial reporting is fully harmonised.
Removing duplicative NSW-specific record keeping requirements for ACNC-registered charities fundraising in NSW.
Simplifying financial reporting requirements for ACNC-registered incorporated associations so they only need to comply with ACNC reporting requirements.
Adopting the 16 National Fundraising Principles as additional prescribed conditions for all NSW authority holders.
Removing outdated Standard Conditions for NSW authority holders, including those already covered under the Principles. The reforms deliver a new consistent regulatory model designed to make it easier for charities and fundraisers to operate, particularly for those working across jurisdictions or online.

Registered charities no longer need to apply separately for a NSW fundraising authority as they can now obtain a ‘deemed authority’.

Once a registered charity gains deemed authority status, it benefits from simplified regulation and is exempt from several NSW requirements.

Charities that previously held a NSW fundraising authority were automatically transitioned to a deemed authority on 1 April 2026. This allows them to continue fundraising in NSW without needing to notify the ACNC.

Learn what’s changing and how it applies to your organisation:
https://www.nsw.gov.au/money-and-taxes/charitable-fundraising

Quotes to be attributed to NSW Fair Trading Commissioner, Natasha Mann:

“Charities and fundraising organisations should review the new requirements, understand how the ‘deemed authority’ and National Fundraising Principles apply to them, and ensure their processes are aligned ahead of commencement.”

“Aligning NSW regulations with the national approach is an important step in creating a consistent, streamlined fundraising environment across Australia.”

“The harmonisation reforms cut unnecessary red tape and remove outdated requirements that no longer reflect how fundraising works today.”

“A stronger and more streamlined charitable sector ultimately means better support for communities across NSW.”

Quotes to be attributed to Sue Woodward AM, Commissioner Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission:

“The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) welcomes the introduction of law in New South Wales that streamlines the fundraising process for charities, enabling improved information sharing between NSW and the ACNC.”

“These reforms will remove unnecessary red tape and provide donors with confidence that fundraising activities meet national standards.”

“The ACNC will continue to work collaboratively with NSW authorities to support implementation and help charities understand the new requirements.”

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