Legislation governing P&Cs

All executive members of the P&C are responsible for ensuring that the association fulfils its legislative requirements. The procedures and processes outlined in this manual will ensure compliance with the applicable Acts, Regulations and Policies.

Division 6 of Part 6 of the Education (General Provisions) Act 1989 details financial responsibilities of an association.
Section 93, Division 6, Part 6 of the Education (General Provisions) Act 1989 defines associations as statutory bodies.
Part 2B of the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 sets out the way in which an association's powers are affected.
The Financial Administration and Audit Act 1977, Section 46M (3) states that this P&C Accounting Manual is mandatory for ensuring the correct handling of finances.

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Exemptions from the Financial Management Standard

While compliance with the applicable Acts and Regulations is mandatory, on 8 December 1998 the Treasurer for Queensland granted exemption to P&Cs from the Financial Management Standard 1997 on the following matters:

Part 2 — Planning: Strategic and operational planning
It is considered acceptable that P&Cs partake in the strategic and operational planning of the school and those P&C objectives are to enhance the schools delivery of educational services.

Part 3 — Management of resources: Section 56(4): Requirement to consult with audit prior to changing financial systems
P&C accounting records may be handwritten in appropriate forms, recorded in computerised spreadsheets or commercially available accounting software may be used.

Part 4 — Performance management
It is accepted that any major assets produced by a P&C are handed to the school and accounted for in other departmental systems. Performance of P&Cs is documented through annual financial statements.

Part 5 — Corporate management: Sections 65–66
Not required, as members are from the school community and the Department is represented by the principal.

Part 5 — Corporate management: Sections 72–74
System appraisal procedures are not required, as procedures used are controlled by observance and compliance with the P&C Accounting Manual.

Part 5 — Corporate management: Sections 85–87
Safeguards and controls over P&C operations exist through observance and compliance with the P&C Accounting Manual.

Part 5 — Corporate management: Sections 90–93
Gifts received of value greater than $1000 must be put on the schools fixed assets register. Gifts made or received under $1 000 must be reported at meetings, noted in the minutes and reported in newsletters.

Part 6 — Reporting
P&C operations are primarily financial and are reported through the annual financial statements. P&C financial accounting is to be cash accounting.

You can access this legislation from the Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel.

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