Associations Incorporations Act Review
The State Government is reviewing the Associations Incorporation Act 1987.
This Act allows associations, such as community, recreation, sporting and not-for-profit clubs and societies, to incorporate as legal bodies, and limit the liability of members for lawful activities.
There are over 15,000 associations currently incorporated in Western Australia, and, if you belong to a club or society, it is highly likely that it is one of them. There is more information about incorporated associations.
The Associations webpage will provide you with information about the current law, its requirements, and news of interest to incorproated associations today.
The Act has been in place in one form or another since 1895. It was last amended in 1987. Consultation since shows that an update is clearly necessary to ensure that it meets modern challenges and community needs.
Rules (or constitution)
You are invited to help develop a clear, concise, set of Draft Model Rules of Associations (commonly called ‘the constitution’) for incorporated associations that will comply with the proposed new laws.
These Rules will, eventually, be added to the regulations that will support the new Act in order to assist incorporated associations when they develop or revise their Rules of Association.
You can help to develop the new Rules by:
- reading the Draft Model Rules;
- completing an online survey by 29 February 2008;
- nominating for selection to participate in an interactive workshop on Friday, 4 April 2008 (only 40 places available);
- attending an information session in January/February (watch this space for times, dates, venues, and who to contact to RSVP).
To receive a hard copy of any of these documents, contact your local regional office, call the Consumer Protection Advice Line on 1300 30 40 54 or email consumer@docep.wa.gov.au.
Your views in summary
A draft new law, the Associations Incorporation Bill 2006 (known as the Green Bill) was released for public comment in November 2006. More than 316 written submissions were received about the proposed changes to the Associations Incorporation Act 1987. The communications strategy used to gain public attention meant that, for the first time, there was a large response from a wide spectrum of incorporated associations – small and large – and individuals shared their experiences too.
Your Views in Summary contains an overview of the written submissions received during the public comment period.
Every person who made a written submission will receive a copy of this booklet in the mail. Copies will also be made available to every public Library in Western Australia by 14 December 2007.
If you would like a copy sent to you please call the Consumer Protection Advice Line on 1300 30 40 54 or email your request to consumer@docep.wa.gov.au.
Latest news
Presentations to the "Make Your Own Rules" Session on Thursday 13 November are now available for immediate download.
Joel Levin, aha! Consulting
Engaging community (the process explained)
Elizabeth Tylich, Senior Associate, Jackson McDonald
Draft Model Rules (the content explained)
The Associations Incorporation Bill 2006 is to be tabled in Parliament during 2008 by the Minister for Consumer Protection, the Hon Sheila McHale, MLA. It will include many of your suggestions on ways to improve the Green Bill.
Information sessions
Find out more about the Draft Model Rules and how you can help develop up-to-date rules for WA’s incorporated associations.
Two information sessions only will be held on the Draft Model Rules and both will be held on 6 February.
Quick links
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