Registry of Co-operatives & Associations

1. Registry of Co-operatives & Associations One city one site February 2004

2. Incorporation Why incorporate? Benefits of incorporation: * separate legal entity * limited liability to members * continuity of entity

3. Incorporation Forms of incorporation • incorporated association • co-operative • company

4. Incorporation Incorporated associations (Associations Incorporation Act 1984) • Cannot trade or secure monetary gain for its members • minimum five members • model rules can be adopted • public officer

5. Incorporation Co-operatives (Co-operatives Act 1992) • no restrictions on trade • minimum five members • member control • active membership • co-operative principles • standard rules/disclosure statement • compliance obligations

6. Incorporation Company Ltd by Guarantee (Corporations Act 2001) • administered through Australian Securities and Investment Commission • public company • no restriction on members • no start up capital • must provide a constitution • compliance obligations

7. -Association- How to incorporate an association • Reserve the name • Determine rules • Apply for incorporation • Appoint a public officer

8. - Co-operatives - How to form a co-operative • Approved disclosure statement • Approved rules • Formation meeting

9. - Company - How to form a company • Select a name (reservation is optional) • Determine rules/constitution • Obtain consent - members, directors, secretary and guarantee to pay • Complete and lodge application form

10. -Incorporation- Contact Details Registry of Co-operatives & Associations 154 Russell Street PO Box 22 BATHURST NSW 2795 Phone: 02 6333 1400 Fax: 02 6333 1444 Website: www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au Wollongong Fair Trading Centre 63 Market St 02 42543433