The ACNC has contacted Rural Aid and Aussie Helpers Ltd  to seek assurances that the influx of goods and funds being donated gets to those in need, following concerns raised in the media.

ACNC Commissioner, the Hon Dr Gary Johns said that the ACNC’s role is to ensure charities are transparent and accountable.

“Australians have been incredibly generous and donated huge amounts of money and goods to help those affected by the drought,” Commissioner Johns said.

“We have contacted two charities who are coordinating drought relief efforts to ensure donated goods and funds are being managed appropriately.

“ACNC staff have visited the operations of the charities and we are working with them to understand their work and confirm they have procedures and practices in place to manage the large number of donations they have received.

“Our enquiries are still ongoing; however, both charities have fully cooperated.”

The ACNC is prevented by secrecy provisions in the ACNC Act from disclosing any further details about enquiries or the nature of the concerns they have received.

If the ACNC takes formal compliance action against a charity, this will appear on their Charity Register listing and on the ACNC website.

If members of the public have concerns regarding the activities of a charity, they are encouraged to raise these with the ACNC by visiting acnc.gov.au.