On Thursday 26 March 2015 the Committee adopted an inquiry referred by the Minister for the Environment, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, asking the Committee to inquire into and report on the Register of Environmental Organisations.The Committee invites interested persons and organisations to make submissionsThe Inquiry will have particular regard to:
- the definition of 'environmental organisation' under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, including under Subdivision 30-E;
- the requirements to be met by an organisation to be listed on the Register and maintain its listing;
- activities undertaken by organisations currently listed on the Register and the extent to which these activities involve on-ground environmental works;
- reporting requirements for organisations to disclose donations and activities funded by donations;
- the administration of the Register and potential efficiency improvements;
- compliance arrangements and the measures available to the Department of the Environment and the Australian Taxation Office to investigate breaches of the Act and Ministerial Guidelines by listed organisations; and
- relevant governance arrangements in international jurisdictions, and exploring methods to adopt best practice in Australia.
How to make a submission to a Senate Committee Inquiry
See government website for detailed information and instructions http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary%20Business/Committees/Senate/How%20to%20make%20a%20submission
- The majority of inquiries are now accepting submissions via the Make a submission to an Inquiry page. The online submission site is a secure site and is suitable for uploading sensitive and confidential material.
- Make sure you sign written submissions. Submissions must include your name, phone number and postal address so we can verify them. If it is the submission of an organisation, say so clearly. Show the signatory's position and say at what level the submission was authorised.
Submissions due by 21 May 2015
See government website for detailed information and instructions
If you make a submission, the committee may invite you to give evidence at a public hearing.
For more information contact the Senior Clerk of Committees, phone: (02) 6277 3506, fax: (02) 6277 3899,
email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact the relevant committee secretary.