A new Code of Practice, set to revolutionise the way charities operate in South Australia, has been released for public consultation.
Minister for Gambling, Tom Koutsantonis, said it’s part of the Rann Government’s plan to stamp out dodgy practices.
“The new code aims to compel organisations and collection agents to hand over detailed financial records, including the percentage of funds actually used for charitable purposes, which would be made publically available at the end of each financial year,” he said.
“It means South Australians would be able to look up an organisation to see where their hard earned money would end up. If they decide the organisation doesn’t have its priorities right, they can choose to donate elsewhere.
“It’s all about making charities more transparent and accountable so that members of the public can be confident about the decisions they make.”
The new Code of Practice, drafted by the Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner (OLGC) and the Department of Treasury and Finance, would also enhance the Minister’s powers to obtain information from police and to suspend collection activities while investigations are still underway.
It also proposes tougher restrictions on collectors. Under the plan, they would have to wear a standardised badge showing their name, organisation’s contact details and licence number, and details of the SA Government’s charities website and advice line.
They would only be allowed to doorknock or collect in a public place between 9am and 6pm (or sunset) on weekdays. The hours would be reduced to 9am-5pm on Saturdays and midday–5pm on Sundays. They would be banned on Easter Sunday, Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Telemarketing would be allowed 9am-8pm on weekdays and 9am-5pm on Saturdays. It would be banned on Sundays and all public holidays. Donations given to telemarketers would also be subject to a ten day “cooling off” period.
Copies of the proposed code will be sent to all current licensees, MPs, the Commissioner of Police, Commissioner for Consumer Affairs and relevant peak bodies for an initial six week consultation period.
Submissions should be submitted by March 19, 2010. Copies can be downloaded at www.charities.sa.gov.au from 9am today.
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