The Tasmanian Community Fund Amendment Bill has been tabled in the Tasmanian House of Assembly.
Minister for Community Services, Roger Jaensch, said the Amendment Bill is about strengthening the independence of the Tasmanian Community Fund (TCF) while ensuring accountability in its governance and processes.
"We are proposing targeted amendments that will provide enhanced transparency and community confidence in the governance, decision-making structures, and processes of the Tasmanian Community Fund," Minister Jaensch said.
"The changes will require the TCF Board to conduct and document due diligence, adopt a best practice grant management framework, provide regular guidance, training, and clear direction to its people to assist with remaining apolitical and impartial, and adopt better practice record management.
"Under the new Bill, the Board must not directly, or indirectly, make grants for political purposes to ensure the TCF remains impartial.
"This amendment will provide greater public confidence in the Tasmanian Community Fund and an understanding that the TCF Board's duties will remain apolitical and consistent.
"The changes are similar provisions to those that apply to other Tasmanian Government boards and statutory authorities."
The Tasmanian Community Fund is an important source of funding for Tasmanian community projects and must ensure its functions and powers are exercised in the best interests of Tasmanians. The Bill will allow the Tasmanian community to have more oversight and input into the fund's strategy, and the way it distributes funding to the community.
