**\ud83d\udccc Payments & Reimbursements in Prima Nota<\/p>\n
(According to Australian NFP Law & Governance Standards)**<\/p>\n
Prima Nota operates as a Community-based Nonprofit (NFP) in South Australia.
\nOur processes follow official regulatory frameworks, including:
\n \u2022 ACNC Governance Standards (1\u20135)
\n \u2022 Fair Work Act 2009 \u2014 Volunteer vs Worker distinction
\n \u2022 Associations Incorporation Act 1985 (SA)
\n \u2022 SA Model Rules for Incorporated Associations
\n \u2022 Volunteering Australia National Standards
\n \u2022 ATO definitions of honorarium (\u201cex gratia payment\u201d)<\/p>\n
We align strictly with these rules to ensure transparency, legality, and accountability.<\/p>\n
\u2e3b<\/p>\n
1\ufe0f\u20e3 Volunteering \u2014 as defined by Australian law<\/p>\n
According to the Fair Work Ombudsman and Volunteering Australia:<\/p>\n
\u201cVolunteers are not employees and must not receive wages.\u201d<\/p>\n
This applies to festivals, rehearsals, event support, creative development, coordination, and most community-facing roles at Prima Nota.<\/p>\n
This model is the foundation of all cultural NFPs in Australia.<\/p>\n
\u2e3b<\/p>\n
2\ufe0f\u20e3 Honorarium \u2014 legally allowed, strictly regulated<\/p>\n
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) defines honorarium as:<\/p>\n
\u201cA gratuitous payment made without obligation, not considered salary or wages.\u201d<\/p>\n
Prima Nota uses honoraria only when all conditions mandated by NFP governance are met:
\n \u2022 The project is externally funded or grant-supported
\n \u2022 The workload significantly exceeds ordinary volunteer roles
\n \u2022 The payment is ex gratia (not remuneration)<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccc Committee members cannot receive honoraria
\n\u2014 this is prohibited under
\nACNC Governance Standard 5 (Conflict of Interest)
\nand
\nAssociations Incorporation Act 1985 (SA) \u2014 Section on duties of officers.<\/p>\n
\u2e3b<\/p>\n
3\ufe0f\u20e3 Paid facilitation \u2014 only via contract, only for paid programs<\/p>\n
Under the Fair Work Act 2009, payment is allowed only for:
\n \u2022 defined duties,
\n \u2022 contracted responsibilities,
\n \u2022 and agreed compensation.<\/p>\n
Prima Nota pays facilitators only when a program is paid and the facilitator is performing a professional service.<\/p>\n
\u2e3b<\/p>\n
4\ufe0f\u20e3 Reimbursements \u2014 governed by Volunteering Australia Standards<\/p>\n
Reimbursement is not payment for labour.
\nIt is the refund of approved expenses, as outlined in:
\n \u2022 Volunteering Australia National Standard 6: Support & Safety<\/p>\n
We reimburse only:
\n \u2022 approved project-related purchases
\n \u2022 with receipts or invoices
\n \u2022 within the project budget<\/p>\n
\u274c Not reimbursable:
\nunapproved purchases, personal tools, time, effort, or personal initiatives.<\/p>\n
\u2e3b<\/p>\n
5\ufe0f\u20e3 Our Legal & Ethical Position<\/p>\n
Prima Nota complies fully with:
\n \u2022 ACNC Governance Standards,
\n \u2022 SA legislation for incorporated associations,
\n \u2022 Fair Work volunteer definitions,
\n \u2022 ATO rulings,
\n \u2022 NFP best practice.<\/p>\n
We openly share information, explain policies, and answer questions.<\/p>\n
However, in the Australian NFP sector there is a fundamental principle:<\/p>\n
Lack of knowledge does not remove the obligation to follow the rules.
\n(ACNC Governance Standard 1 \u2014 Duty of Compliance)<\/p>\n
Understanding, learning, and asking questions is part of responsible community participation.<\/p>\n
\u2e3b<\/p>\n
\ud83e\udd1d Thank you to everyone who contributes to Prima Nota!<\/p>\n
Our organisation grows through collective effort, creativity, and shared responsibility.<\/p>\n
If anyone has questions \u2014 we are always available to explain the regulations and processes.<\/p>\n