Straight from the source - December 2022

To recount the ‘year that’s been’ would take too long; however there are a few things that, upon reflection, are worth highlighting. Three key themes emerged in 2022 that I’ve continually gone back to:

1. Purpose
2. Learning
3. Curiosity

Purpose

We spend our lives searching for purpose. There are volumes of books written on the subject and many scholars have dedicated their life to developing numerous models and diagnostic tools. Fundamentally, however, it all comes down to one thing: review what you’re doing and satisfy yourself of progress on expected outcomes. I refer intentionally to outcomes because sometimes our goals don’t necessarily achieve our expected outcomes.

For not-for-profits, it’s all about purpose. It’s never too early, or late, to review your purpose. If you’re a non-government deductible gift recipient (DGR), you should have started the process to register as a charity with the ACNC. Contact us if you’ve missed the 14 December deadline and you’d like to know more about how to maintain your DGR status.

For the vast majority of not-for-profits that are non-charitable, make it your New Year’s resolution to review entitlement to income tax exemption. We’ll be focused on this in 2023 as we move closer to implementing the new reporting requirements. Set yourself a goal, download the worksheets and have a think about your eligibility against the 8 categories in Division 50 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. You can contact us if you have any concerns or find you don’t meet the eligibility requirements.

Learning

You’ll recall from previous blogs this year that I participated in a leadership development program with a number of my colleagues across the Australian Public Service. The program ended in November with a series of organisational interviews and a live case study that we presented to an executive panel. We had the great privilege of meeting with disadvantaged and marginalised communities – yes, not-for-profits. A shout out to the organisations my group met with including Marcus Watson from Back Track Youth Works whose mantra is to support youth with an attitude of ‘Whatever it takes, for however long it takes!’ and Uniting’s Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC). MSIC’s Medical Director, Dr Marianne Jauncey’s passion and commitment to support a community who are often neglected and misunderstood was inspiring.

The experience opened our minds and changed our perspectives, especially with respect to the way we design government services. This led to the Class of 2022 making some firm commitments:

1. Create space to listen.
2. Use our voices to influence.
3. Work differently across government.

We can all learn; from each other and from our environment and make a difference.

Curiosity

Finally, in early December, I joined my ATO colleagues for our SES leadership conference – a 2-day event held in Canberra. It was our first conference since 2018 and we had a full agenda with key speakers including a 'wizard'! Our Commissioner Chris Jordan, the Hon Andrew Leigh MP, the Hon Wayne Swan and a host of other speakers shared their insights. Dr Jason Fox entertained us with the wizardry of words, concepts and new thinking.

Throughout the conference there was acknowledgment of the ATO’s valuable work and that we’re regarded as the best agency in the APS. The Commissioner was particularly proud of the fact that 81% of our clients are satisfied with our engagements. My biggest takeaway was creating space for curiosity so we can make meaningful progress. The wizard explained that meaningful progress, as opposed to delusional progress, is 'that which brings us closer to future relevance'.

Overall, 2022 has been a memorable year. I’ve reflected on purpose, learnt a lot and continue to be curious. This underpins our ongoing support of the sector.

Reminder

A reminder that ATO public phone lines and internal systems will be unavailable during our annual closure from midday 23 December and will reopen on Tuesday 3 January 2023. If a disaster occurs during this period, the Business Continuity Management (BCM) team will update the ato.gov.au webpage Support in difficult times to ensure guidance material is available to the general community.

DGR applications can't be processed while we're closed due to the unavailability of ATO systems. However, once approved they can be backdated if applicable. BCM will monitor urgent requests for advice and will contact NFP Centre senior executives and/or Directors if there is a need to provide urgent indicative advice about DGR endorsement. General guidance can be viewed at Australian disaster relief funds and helping in a disaster on ato.gov.au

As this is my last blog for 2022, I’d like to wish you and your families all the very best for the holiday season and a Happy New Year. Thank you for your continued support and contribution to the sector, and I look forward to working with you in 2023, which is shaping up as a monumental year.