Media Release - Charities welcome Susan Woodward AM as new Commissioner
The charities sector is delighted to welcome Sue Woodward AM as the new Commissioner for the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC).
Rev Tim Costello, Chair of CCA said; ‘This is a great appointment – well done to Susan Woodward and well done to Assistant Minister for Charities Andrew Leigh and the Albanese Government. Susan Woodward has already established a national reputation for her outstanding work on behalf of charities at Justice Connect. Susan is a respected charity law expert, and has worked collaboratively across the charities sector for many years. I cannot think of a more appropriate appointment.’
David Crosbie, CEO of CCA said ‘This is a wonderful appointment. CCA has already worked with Susan Woodward in our efforts to reduce needless duplication and streamline regulations for charities, particularly around fundraising and volunteering across Australia. Sue is a very experienced and highly credentialed charity lawyer who will bring real expertise and understanding of the charities sector to the role.’
Mr Crosbie added that the success of the ACNC was important for all charities, ‘All charities want the ACNC to succeed. We are tired of seeing the bad behaviour of a few misguided individuals being used to drag down the public perception of the value and effectiveness of charities. We want a regulator who will not only stamp out inappropriate behaviour, but also work for charities in reducing red tape and ensuring governments and other regulators do not react to any situation by piling more and more pointless administrative tasks on charities.’
Both Mr Crosbie and Rev Tim Costello commended the work of Ms Deborah Jenkins who has been acting ACNC Commissioner. ‘Deborah Jenkins was a breath of fresh air in an organisation that had lacked real leadership in recent years. We thank Ms Jenkins for engaging so positively with the charities sector, and resetting the ACNC in preparation for the new Commissioner.’
