Aussie Helpers' practices and policies "did not keep up" as it grew in size and complexity, chief Natasha Kocks has said after an investigation into the rural charity.
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The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) said today it had found issues with the group's policies and procedures on financial controls and conflicts of interest.
Aussie Helpers has entered into a compliance agreement to address the concerns, but Ms Kocks said it had already made significant steps.
"Aussie Helpers was established in 2007 to help Australian farmers and it has been responding to increasing demand for its services across the country," she said.
"With support from the public and corporate sector, Aussie Helpers quickly grew into a major rural charity [whose] governance practices and policies did not keep up with the growth in the charity's size and complexity ...
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"All board members have now had governance training, the Aussie Helpers' constitution has been updated, and we are implementing financial controls and updating our policies and procedures."
The inquiry and findings came after concerns were raised about the charity's governance.
A compliance agreement is one of the less severe ACNC actions, which can also include revoking charity status, making an enforceable undertaking, which can be legally enforced; issuing a written direction to act; or giving a warning.
The ACNC also found the group's "responsible persons" needed to be more aware of their duties under charity governance standards.
Ms Kocks said the group would "continue to work with the ACNC to ensure the best outcomes for the charity and the rural families we support".
"It is important to us that Aussie Helpers delivers support to those who need it, while also being well managed with all the appropriate procedures and controls in place," she said.
ACNC Commissioner Gary Johns said a compliance agreement was appropriate if a charity had made clear attempts to comply with its obligations.
"Aussie Helpers has fully co-operated with our investigation," Dr Johns said.
"The compliance agreement is evidence of the charity's commitment to increased accountability and transparency to donors and the public."
Carolyn Millet
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
