Wednesday 17 June, 2020
Volunteers in Queensland’s charities and not-for-profit organisations will have to deal with more red-tape and face tougher laws than corporate directors under new laws passed by the Palaszczuk Labor Government.
Clause 31 of the Associations Incorporation Bill passed by Parliament yesterday will mean that Queenslanders who lead voluntary organisations will now face similar onerous insolvency obligations as corporate directors – but without any of the defences.
“This is totally over-the-top regulation from the Palaszczuk Labor Government,” LNP Shadow Attorney-General David Janetzki said.
“Labor has tied Queensland businesses up in red-tape and now they’re doing the same to charities.
“I believe we should be encouraging Queenslanders who want to give their time to help their communities and people in need.
“These laws will have the opposite effect”.
The legislation puts volunteers in the same legal bracket as corporate bosses – but without any help to guide them.
“Labor’s changes leave Queensland’s army of volunteers exposed to the threat of future prosecutions but without corporate lawyers and highly paid advisors to support them,” Mr Janetzki said.
The Palaszczuk Labor Government introduced a ‘guillotine’ to pass the Bill after just two hours’ debate in Parliament.
Clause 31 stipulates that the officers of incorporated associations could face a fine of up to $8,007 if they fail to prevent insolvent trading.
