Fundraising Act 1998 (review)

This page provides general information and should not be considered as legal advice. Seek legal advice if you are unsure about your legal rights. Be aware that the law can change.

The Fundraising Act 1998 regulates the raising and application of money and other benefits for non-commercial purposes from the public. The Act facilitates transparency and public confidence in the fundraising industry and in not-for-profit organisations that conduct fundraising and protect the public interest in relation to fundraising.

Cases we can hear

You may be able to apply to VCAT for a review of a decision to:

• refuse to register you as a fundraiser
• impose conditions, or any particular condition, on the conduct of an appeal under section 12B, 19C or 23 of the Act
• seek further information from you
• reduce the duration of your registration as a fundraiser
• refuse to renew your registration as a fundraiser
• deregister you as a fundraiser, unless the decision was made under section 33A(a) or section 33A(f) of the Act and an expedited deregistration process applies.

Legislation that gives VCAT the power to hear these applications

Section 33J of the Fundraising Act 1998

Documents you need to apply

If you have a decision document, use it to help you complete the VCAT application form and attach a copy of the document to your application.

Time limits

You must make your application within 28 days of:

• the decision being made, or
• if you have requested a statement of reasons under the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act, the statement of reasons is given to you or you are informed that a statement of reasons will not be given.

If you apply outside of the time limit, VCAT may extend the time for making an application. You must ask for an extension of time by indicating this on the ‘extension of time’ question of the application form and briefly explaining why your application was late.

VCAT will ask the decision maker if they agree to any extension. If the decision maker does not agree, VCAT may hold a preliminary hearing before deciding whether to grant an extension.

Putting the original decision on hold

In most cases, applying for a review does not put the original decision on hold and that decision stands until VCAT makes its decision. 

If you want the original decision put on hold, you must ask for this by indicating you want a ‘stay’ on the application form and briefly explaining why you are seeking a stay. 

It may not be possible to put the decision on hold if there would be no practical effect in doing so.

VCAT will ask the decision maker if they agree to any stay. If the decision maker does not agree, VCAT may hold a preliminary hearing before deciding whether to grant a stay.

What can VCAT order?

Unless the relevant Act of Parliament gives us different powers, VCAT can:

• affirm the original decision, in which case the original decision will stand
• vary the decision
• set aside the decision and substitute our own decision
• set aside the decision and send back the matter for reconsideration by the decision maker giving directions or recommendations
• invite the decision maker to reconsider their decision at any time during the case.

Apply

We can explain the application process and what the form is asking you for. Contact us to get support.

We cannot give you legal advice. This means we cannot tell you what to write in your application or recommend how to get the outcome you want.

Seek legal help if you are unsure about your options or need advice about your claim.

Do I need a lawyer or professional representative?

You do not need to have legal or other professional representation to appear at VCAT. If you want to be represented by a lawyer or a professional advocate, usually you must ask for VCAT's permission. Be aware that the regulatory body in most cases uses legal representation.

Find legal services that may be able to assist you.

Access and privacy

VCAT hearings and files are usually public.

VCAT has limited authority to restrict who can access cases and files but, in certain circumstances, you can apply for confidentiality.