Making it easier to run an incorporated association
Changes to make it easier to run and manage an incorporated association became law on 1 February 2024.
About the reform
The Associations Incorporation Act 1991 and Associations Incorporation Regulation 2023 have been updated. New model rules for incorporated associations are now effective and include the following:
- new rules for resolving disputes
- options for virtual attendance at annual general meetings and committee meetings
- clear rules for disciplinary matters
- clear descriptions of roles of committee members
- new rules for delegating committee functions
- new rules for proxy voting in general meetings.
Additionally, incorporated associations are no longer required to lodge an annual return with Access Canberra. You must still prepare an annual statement and provide documents upon request.
A new incorporated associations in the ACT guide is available on Access Canberra.
Why it’s important
The ACT Government collaborated with business in 2021 to develop Better Regulation: A report on how we are improving business regulation in the ACT. From talking with business, we heard that regulation needs to allow for the use of digital technology.
We committed to a review of model rules to make them easier to use and understand. A new guide helps incorporated associations understand their legal obligations. Also, now allowing for the option of virtual attendance makes it easier for association members to participate in meetings.
Next steps
We will continue to work with businesses, industry and the community to identify further opportunities for regulatory reform.
Key achievements
We sent letters to 2,963 registered incorporated associations in the ACT to ask for feedback on a draft of the new model rules. We received responses from 99 stakeholders and detailed feedback from 76 stakeholders.
The feedback informed the final model rules and led to the removal of the need to lodge annual returns.
Agencies involved
Contact us
Call 13 22 81