New search tool allows public to check a Queensland charity

Members of the public can now do a free online check of whether a charity is authorised to collect money in Queensland, thanks to a new search facility on the Office of Fair Trading's (OFT) website.

Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor said the new Queensland Charities and Associations Online Register (QCAOR) was developed by the OFT - which registers charities in Queensland - to make information more accessible to people.

"Previously you made a phone call to do a check but now you can simply jump on the website and type in a name," Mr Lawlor said.

"The search, which verifies information against a public register of charity records, allows you to see if the organisation you've been approached by or are dealing with is authorised to collect money or fundraise in Queensland."

Mr Lawlor said most charities did the right thing but from time to time there were organisations which collected without being authorised to do so.

"Confirming a regis tration is a vote of confidence that the money being donated is for legitimate purposes," he said.

The free facility identifies organisations registered under the Collections Act 1966, which requires organisations wishing to publicly fundraise in Queensland to register with the OFT.

Mr Lawlor said in addition to the search, people who wanted more specific information about a registered charity could also request documents for a small fee, including audited financial statements which must be lodged annually to account for donations collected.

The QCAOR search also allows the public to view a list of registered incorporated associations.

Mr Lawlor said the new tool added to the range of online checks made available by the OFT to give people peace of mind that the individuals and organisations they dealt with were licensed or registered.

"For example, through the OFT website you can also do an free online search to confirm the licences of introduction agents, real estate agents, car dealers, second-hand dealers, security providers, tourism service providers and travel agents," he said.

The Australian Business Register also has a search function (www.abr.business.gov.au/) which allows you to check an organisation's tax deductibility status for receiving donations.

Charity registration and other licence checks can be done by visiting www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or calling 13 13 04.