THE generosity of the public to rally behind bushfire-stricken communities has prompted a reminder from Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson to follow fundraising guidelines.
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The minister for better regulation is reminding those who have raised more than $15,000 to apply for authority to fundraise.
Anyone who has raised $15,000 or over needs to hold Charitable Fundraising Authority through Fair Trading NSW.
Applications are free and can be arranged retrospectively, within one business day.
Mr Anderson said the authority to fundraise would ensure fudraising money would be safeguarded.
"The community has done an extraordinary job fundraising for victims of bushfires, but with the large amounts of money raised, it is vital the appropriate safeguards are in place," Mr Anderson said.
"We don't want anyone's fundraising efforts to be held up in red tape, which is why we're doing our best to make the application process as quick and easy as possible.
"Larger, well-known charities also already hold licenses, so donating directly to them, or collecting money on their behalf, negates the need for any additional authority."
Given how many fudraisers at home and abroad are under way, Mr Anderson warned those donating to be diligent and aware of unscrupulous operators.
Make sure you donate via an official verified website or directly to a well-known charity, do not to give money to cold callers, and always check the terms and conditions before paying, he said.
If you do come across a bushfire related scam, please dont hesitate to contact the ACCC or Scamwatch to protect others from becoming victims of fraud.
For more information on bushfire charity donations and collections refer to the following;
Charitable Fundraising Application http://bit.ly/2FT1qYG
ACCC on 1300 795 995 or http://bit.ly/30nBY75. Donors can also make a report on the Scamwatch website.