Guides for Incorporated Associations
Running an incorporated association is a simple and more affordable means of creating a separate legal entity for small, community-based groups with limited resources.
In recent years there have been changes to incorporated association regulation and financial reporting procedures, and these can differ depending on which state your association operates within. Below you will find some state-specfic and Australia-wide guides for running and managing your incorporated association.
For more information about incorporated associations, visit the relevant state website:
| State/territory | Authority | Web address |
| Australian Capital Territory | Access Canberra | www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au |
| New South Wales | Office of Fair Trading | www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au |
| Northern Territory | Consumer and Business Affairs | www.justice.nt.gov.au |
| Queensland | Office of Fair Trading | www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au |
| South Australia | Consumer and Business Services | www.cbs.sa.gov.au |
| Tasmania | Office of Consumer Affairs & Fair Trading | www.consumer.tas.gov.au |
| Victoria | Consumer Affairs | www.consumer.vic.gov.au |
| Western Australia | Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety | www.commerce.wa.gov.au/ |
New South Wales
Running an incorporated association in NSW
This guide includes:
- The Association in a Nutshell
- Appointing and removing public officers
- The public officer's legal role, power and duties
- Registers, records and official documents
- Annual General Meetings
- Special General Meetings
- Committee Meetings, and
- Reporting to NSW Fair Trading
Changes to New South Wales incorporated association law
NSW Fair Trading outlines the key changes to the Associations Incorporation Act 2009, effective as of 1 September 2016.
South Australia
Changes to South Australian charity double reporting legislation
This factsheet looks at the introduction of the Statutes Amendment (Commonwealth Registered Entities) Act and how this reduces double reporting for South Australian charities. These changes are effective as of 1 January 2017.
Tasmania
Changes to Tasmanian charity double reporting legislation
This factsheet from the Tasmanian goverment looks at the Associations Incorporation Amendment Bill 2016 and how this reduces double reporting for Tasmanian charities. These changes are effective as of 1 October 2016.
Victoria
Secretary's Satchel - Guide for Secretaries in Victoria
Did you know that secretaries have special legal responsibilities in Victoria? A Secretary’s Satchel – Guide for Secretaries is designed to help the secretary and others within your association by explaining legal obligations and offering practical tips and tools for running an incorporated association in Victoria.
Western Australia
Changes to Western Australian financial reporting
This factsheet from the Western Australian government looks at how the changes to The Associations Incorporation Act 2015 effects associations governance and financial reporting. These changes are effective as of 1 July 2016.