Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Compliance
Gondwana Rainforest Trust is committed to the highest standards of governance, transparency and accountability. As a registered Australian charity, we comply with all Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) Governance Standards and continuously review our practices to ensure alignment with regulatory expectations and community trust.
Governance Standard 1: Purposes and Not-for-profit Nature
Gondwana Rainforest Trust is established as a not-for-profit organisation with a clear charitable purpose: the protection and restoration of rainforest ecosystems of high conservation value.
All income and assets are applied solely towards advancing these purposes. No part of the organisation’s income is distributed to members, directors or private individuals. Our governing documents explicitly prohibit private benefit and ensure that, in the event of winding up, assets are transferred to another charitable entity with similar purposes.
Governance Standard 2: Accountability to Members
We are accountable to our members and stakeholders through transparent governance practices and regular communication.
Key organisational information, including our mission and values, operations and compliance, standing committees, fundraising charter and financial reports are published on our website. Audited financial reports, Annual Information Statements and details of Gondwana Rainforest Trust's Responsible People are available on the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) website.
Our Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that the organisation remains aligned with its charitable purpose and delivers on its commitments to donors, partners and the broader community.
Governance Standard 3: Compliance with Australian Laws
Gondwana Rainforest Trust complies with all applicable Australian laws and regulatory requirements.
We maintain robust internal systems and processes to ensure compliance across areas including fundraising, financial reporting, environmental regulation, employment and privacy. Our activities are conducted in a manner consistent with both the letter and spirit of the law.
We undertake annual independent financial audits and meet all reporting obligations to the ACNC and other relevant authorities.
Governance Standard 4: Suitability of Responsible People
Our Responsible People (Board Directors) are selected based on a skills-based framework to ensure an appropriate mix of expertise across conservation, law, finance, governance and business.
We undertake appropriate due diligence to ensure that all Responsible People meet ACNC suitability requirements, including that they are not disqualified from managing a corporation or acting as a responsible person of a charity.
Directors are expected to act with integrity, in good faith and in the best interests of the organisation and its charitable purpose.
Governance Standard 5: Duties of Responsible People
The Board of Gondwana Rainforest Trust understands and fulfils its duties under the ACNC Governance Standards.
This includes ensuring that Responsible People:
- Act with reasonable care and diligence
- Act honestly and fairly in the best interests of the charity
- Do not misuse their position or information
- Disclose and appropriately manage conflicts of interest
- Ensure the financial affairs of the organisation are managed responsibly
- Do not allow the organisation to operate while insolvent
Our governance framework includes formal policies and procedures covering risk management, conflicts of interest, decision-making and delegation. There is a clear separation between governance and management, with authority delegated to the CEO under Board-approved policies.
Supporting Governance Framework
Our compliance with the ACNC Governance Standards is supported by a structured governance framework that includes:
- An independent, skills-based Board of Directors
- Clearly defined roles and separation between Board and management
- Standing Committees providing oversight in key areas such as fundraising and communications
- Formal risk management and policy frameworks
- Annual independent financial audits
- Public transparency through disclosure of governance, financial and operational information
Further information is available on our website, including our Fundraising Charter, financial reports, operational approach and team structure.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
We recognise that governance is an ongoing responsibility. Gondwana Rainforest Trust is committed to continuous improvement, regularly reviewing our policies, practices and communications to ensure they remain clear, accurate and aligned with community expectations.
We welcome feedback from stakeholders and are committed to engaging openly and constructively to strengthen trust, accountability and conservation outcomes. If you have any questions about our governance or would like any further information about our compliance with the ACNC's Governance Standards, please email us at [email protected].