Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source:

Source:

Source:

Commencing for the 2023–24 income year, more than 100,000 non-charitable not-for-profits (NFPs) with an active Australian business number (ABN) are now required to lodge an annual self-review return to notify of their eligibility to self-assess as income tax exempt.

The new reporting requirement was introduced in the 2021–22 Federal Budget to enhance transparency and integrity in the tax, super and registry system by ensuring only eligible non-charitable NFPs access that income tax exemption. The law hasn’t changed but the reporting of eligibility has.

The ATO has extended the due date for the 2023–24 income year self-review return until 31 March 2025, to help NFPs lodge their first return. Future self-review returns will be due by 31 October annually.

Charitable NFPs registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) are not required to lodge the self-review return.

ATO Assistant Commissioner Jennifer Moltisanti encouraged NFPs to act now, review their affairs and lodge their first self-review return.

‘With the 31 March deadline fast approaching, it is important that all NFPs who are required to lodge the 2023–24 income year self-review return do so in time. NFPs must meet this requirement to continue self-assessing as income tax exempt,’ Ms Moltisanti advised.

‘Thousands of NFPs have already lodged their first return. It doesn’t take much time to complete the return and lodge’.

‘We know the NFP population is made up of diverse groups that include community service organisations and sporting clubs right across Australia.’

‘It is important all NFPs are aware of their obligations and don’t delay lodging their first return. We will support NFPs that are genuinely trying to do the right thing, however, we will review those who intentionally ignore their obligations.’

‘If you don’t understand the new reporting requirements, we encourage you to act early and ask for help – from the ATO or your registered tax professional,’ Ms Moltisanti said.

Some NFPs, when completing their self-assessment, may realise that they instead need to register with the ACNC as a charitable NFP to access the income tax exemption. Others may come to the conclusion that they have incorrectly assumed that they were entitled to a tax exemption.

‘If you’ve mistakenly assessed as income tax exempt in the past it is important you don’t worry. You can contact our dedicated team and we can help you work it out.’

‘Similarly, if you realise that your organisation should instead be registered with the ACNC as a charitable NFP, you can still lodge the NFP self-review return and we will help you with the next steps,’ Ms Moltisanti said.

The ATO has developed the NFP self-review return flowchart to provide a step-by-step guide on how to access and lodge the return online through Online services for business. NFPs can also phone the ATO’s self-help phone service on 13 72 26 to lodge by phone or use their registered tax agent.

The return only asks for information that NFPs should already know:

• section 1: organisational details. Prior to lodging we recommend checking that ABN contact details are up to date
• section 2: the NFP category that best reflects the main purpose of the organisation and therefore which category the NFP is claiming the income tax exemption against
• section 3: summary and declaration.

NFPs can also phone the ATO’s dedicated NFP Advice Service on 1300 130 248 if they require further assistance.

‘We are committed to supporting NFPs and helping them to meet their obligations.’

The ATO continues to ensure NFPs have the support and information they need to lodge. For more information visit ato.gov.au/NFPtaxexempt.

Notes to journalists

Source: Airservices Australia

The Reserve Bank of Australia and Bank of Japan have renewed the Bilateral Local Currency Swap Agreement for a further three years.

The initial swap agreement between the two central banks was signed in 2016 and has been renewed for three-year periods since that time. Each agreement is designed to enhance the financial stability of the two countries, and allows for the exchange of local currencies between the two central banks of up to A$20 billion or JPY 1.6 trillion.

Source: University of Sydney

17 Mar 2025

Researchers from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) have opened the door to enhancing canola production in challenging growing environments, after identifying a key gene that helps protect plants from manganese toxicity in acidic soils.

Soil acidity is a significant challenge for crop production in Australia, and crops like canola are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of acidic soils which can limit growth and reduce yields.

Dr Harsh Raman, Senior Principal Research Scientist at NSW DPIRD, said the the discovery is the result of five years of dedicated research by an international team of scientists, with NSW DPIRD leading the effort.

“Soil acidity is a global issue, severely limiting crop production and affecting a huge 13.7 million hectares in NSW alone,” Dr Raman said.

“After conducting a range of experiments in controlled field conditions, NSW DPIRD has successfully cloned the specific gene responsible for manganese tolerance in acidic soils.”

“We have also uncovered new insights into the genetic networks that influence this trait, which will enable the research team to develop practical methods for selecting canola plants with manganese tolerance based on morphological traits and molecular markers.”

According to Dr Raman, the discovery could lead to higher productivity and improved profitability for Canola growers.

“By understanding how canola plants cope with excessive manganese in acidic soils, researchers and crop breeding companies can now work towards developing new crop varieties that are more resilient to thestresses of manganese toxicity. ,” Dr Raman said.

While manganese is an essential nutrient for plant growth, excessive amounts in acidic soils (pH <5) can lead to severe toxicity which can stunt plant growth and reduce crop yields. This is most common in waterlogged soils or those with poor drainage, particularly under high-temperature conditions.

Dr. Raman said that while researchers still recommend a regular application of lime to manage high-acidity soils, manganese tolerance is a valuable enhancement trait for canola varieties by allowing growers to get about their business without having to wait for the lime to ameliorate into the soil.

“Thanks to this research, canola farmers will no longer exclusively need to invest significant time and money into lime applications and wait for amelioration to proceed before they can grow high yield crops.

Now, by unlocking the secret to cultivating varieties that are tolerant to acidic soils, growers can grow high yielding canola whilst applying lime to improve their soils long term PH, increasing productivity and profitability.”

“As farmers face increasing challenges  such as soil degradation, this research provides a promising new tool to enhance crop resilience and secure long-term food production,” Dr Raman said.

The project was supported by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Grains Research and Development Cooperation, Oil Crops Research Institute China, Monash University, ARC Training Centre for Future Crops Development at Australian National University and Wagga Wagga, and INRA France.

The research findings were recently published in Plant Cell and Environment, available at (Genome‐Wide Association Study Elucidates the Genetic Architecture of Manganese Tolerance in Brassica napus – Raman – Plant, Cell & Environment – Wiley Online Library).

Media contact: pi.media@dpird.nsw.gov.au

Vision pack available at https://tinyurl.com/5n7f56ca

Source: Australian Capital Territory – State Government

Headline: New board to lead NSW Aboriginal Languages Trust to 2030

Source: New South Wales – News

On Thursday evening, 12 March, Sergeant Michelle Hollis and Senior Constable Brett Massey, from Western District’s Community Engagement Section, attended Study Adelaide Student Fest at Plant 4 Bowden.

The event brought together community organisations and over 500 international students, including new and returning international students to Adelaide.

Student Fest allowed students to connect with each other, forge new friendships and help to create a support network for their new lives in Adelaide.

South Australia Police (SAPOL) were among the many community stakeholders who set up a display, and interacted with the students, providing them with information on who to contact and what services SAPOL provided.

The event was a success, with many students attending the SAPOL display and having positive interactions with our police officers, something that is not always afforded to them in their home countries.

Source: South Australia Police

Three City projects emerged as champions for best public works projects and excellence in innovation across Western Australia.

Source:

The fire burned approximately 40 hectares

Firefighters battled challenging conditions and difficult terrain to bring a fast-moving bushfire under control in Montrose over the weekend.

The fire, which started next to the Dr Ken Leversha Reserve on Saturday afternoon, was fanned by unpredictable gusty winds overnight on Sunday, causing it to quickly spread to the Dr Ken Leversha Reserve and double in size, prompting an emergency warning to be issued for residents.

The strong and sudden wind change, described as a downburst, resulted in an ember attack in multiple directions.

CFA District 13 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Dave Renkin said strike teams faced very difficult conditions.

“The area was inaccessible for vehicles, so we heavily relied on aircraft support.

“At the height of the incident, over 40 firefighting resources were on scene.”

“Fortunately, the winds died down enough for us to gain control on Sunday,” Dave said.

“This aided with a welcome dose of heavy rainfall certainly assisted ground crews with suppression efforts.”

At the height of the incident, over 100 firefighters from CFA, Forest Fire Management Victoria and Fire Rescue Victoria were on scene, alongside more than 40 firefighting vehicles, four helicopters and three dozers.

“There’s no doubt that without the extraordinary efforts of strike teams, the losses would have been far greater.”

“I want to thank all emergency responders for their efforts.

Their swift and coordinated actions were pivotal in limiting the extent of losses,” Dave said.

“It was a great effort all around to achieve a relatively successful outcome.”

There is still a strong presence of emergency services workers at the fireground, performing hazardous tree removal works and monitoring conditions to ensure the safety of the area.

Victoria Police confirmed one property was lost, another partially damaged, and one outbuilding destroyed.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia

Have your say on Jobs and Skills Australia’s 2025-26 work plan

Hayden

Tue, 2025-01-07 11:52