Not-for-Profit Organisations

Subject LAWS70191 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 7 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

June, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: The total class time is between 24 and 26 hours.
Total Time Commitment: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Prerequisites: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Corequisites: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Recommended Background Knowledge: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Non Allowed Subjects: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Core Participation Requirements: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.

Contact

For the most up-to-date information about this subject, contact the Melbourne Law Masters Office by email at law-masters@unimelb.edu.au or phone 8344 6190 or alternatively visit the subject website: www.masters.law.unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

Principal topics will include:

  • Definitional complexity concerning not-for-profit organisations, including charities
  • Sector composition: Size, purpose, diversity
  • Range of available legal structures: Why each legal structure is used and the consequences of choosing a particular structure
  • Governance issues: Directors' and management committee duties, contrast with the for-profit context
  • Overview of the tax rules for not-for-profit organisations
  • An overview of the current state and national regulatory framework in the context of key policy objectives and major inquiries (1995, 2001, 2008, 2009)
  • Future reform direction drawing on overseas models.
Objectives:

A student who has successfully completed this subject should:

  • Have a good understanding of the role and diversity of the not-for-profit sector as a third sector in the Australian economy
  • Have a sound understanding of the existing regulatory framework for not-for-profit organisations, particularly their legal structures
  • Have an appreciation of unique challenges facing those who govern not-for-profit organisations, compared with for-profit organisations
  • Have a good understanding of the regulatory challenges for the not-for-profit sector, including the policy elements for a better regulatory environment that supports both accountability and innovation by the sector.
Assessment:

Class presentation (20%)
Take-home examination (80%) (23-26 July)
or
10,000 word research paper (100%) (9 September) on a topic approved by the subject coordinator
Prescribed Texts: Visit the subject website for more information
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Links to further information: http://www.masters.law.unimelb.edu.au/

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