A charity can apply to have certain information withheld from the public Charity Register.
However, we can only approve applications to have information withheld in limited circumstances.
In assessing an application, we must consider whether the adverse effect caused by publishing the information outweighs the public interest in having the information on the Charity Register.
For more detailed information about withholding, including examples of when information may be withheld, see our Commissioner’s Policy Statement: Withholding or removing information from the ACNC Register.
Reasons to have information withheld
There are limited reasons a charity can put forward when requesting to have information withheld from the Charity Register.
For each specific piece of information, a charity must choose a circumstance and then explain how that circumstance applies to its situation.
The limited circumstance for which we can approve a request include:
- publishing the information could endanger public safety
- the information is commercially sensitive and publishing it could cause detriment to the charity or a person
- the information is inaccurate, or likely to confuse or mislead, or
- the information is offensive.
For private ancillary funds, there are additional reasons:
- the information is likely to identify an individual donor
- publishing contact details would create an unreasonable administrative burden for the charity.
Information a charity can request be withheld
A charity can request to have specific information withheld from the Charity Register, such as its legal name or address, or names and positions of its Responsible People. Documents such as a financial report or governing document can also be withheld. A charity can also apply to have all its information withheld from the Charity Register.
The ACNC will only withhold the necessary information or documents based on the circumstances of the withholding request, and will only withhold information if we consider it in the public interest.
Applying for information to be withheld
1. Submit an application
Log in to the Charity Portal and click on your charity's name. In the ‘Manage other charity details’ section, locate the form ‘Apply to have information withheld from the Charity Register’.
An organisation that is in the process of applying to register as a charity with the ACNC can use the charity registration application to apply to have specific information withheld.
When applying, you should know exactly the information you want withheld, and the reason you want it withheld.
Include full versions of any documents that contain information you want to be withheld.
2. We consider the application
Once you submit an application, the information that is the subject of your application is automatically withheld from the Charity Register until we make a decision.
We assess the application based on the information the charity provides. We may need to contact the charity to ask for clarification or more information.
3. We make a decision
If we do not approve the request to withhold the information from the Charity Register, we will advise the charity, and the information will be displayed on the Charity Register.
If we approve the application, we will send the charity a notice confirming what we have withheld and why. The ACNC will limit the amount of information that will be withheld to the extent necessary in the circumstances.