Help shape new rules for incorporated associations

There are about 38,000 associations currently registered in NSW, representing a range of activities – from sports or music clubs to childcare services, community support groups and animal breeding clubs.

The Regulation that governs the operation of associations in NSW is being reviewed to consider public input on how to improve, modernise and streamline it so it continues to work effectively and align with changing industry and community expectations.

The proposed Regulation retains many of the existing rules and introduces new requirements on topics including ballots, use of technology for committee and general meetings, as well as the filling of casual vacancies. This protects individual members and assists associations to effectively carry out financial responsibilities.

We invite stakeholders from across the sector to take part in this important review. Whether you are a member of the public or represent a legal, health, peak industry body or community group interested in the better functioning of associations – have your say.

For more information and a deeper understanding the proposed changes, the following documents are available:

There are about 38,000 associations currently registered in NSW, representing a range of activities – from sports or music clubs to childcare services, community support groups and animal breeding clubs.

The Regulation that governs the operation of associations in NSW is being reviewed to consider public input on how to improve, modernise and streamline it so it continues to work effectively and align with changing industry and community expectations.

The proposed Regulation retains many of the existing rules and introduces new requirements on topics including ballots, use of technology for committee and general meetings, as well as the filling of casual vacancies. This protects individual members and assists associations to effectively carry out financial responsibilities.

We invite stakeholders from across the sector to take part in this important review. Whether you are a member of the public or represent a legal, health, peak industry body or community group interested in the better functioning of associations – have your say.

For more information and a deeper understanding the proposed changes, the following documents are available:

  • New laws started on 1 September 2022

    The Associations Incorporation Regulation 2022 was drafted and gazetted on 31 August 2022, following public consultation in June–July 2022.

    We received 733 survey responses, 9 written submissions and 6 submissions sent directly.

    The feedback we received helped us update laws for the day-to-day operation of NSW associations. Over 85 percent of survey responses supported the proposed changes, with almost 90 percent of responses favouring the use of technology and streamlining of duties.

    Almost all association obligations remain the same with new ones added in some areas. For example:

    • using technology for committee and general meetings
    • financial reporting requirements
    • postal or electronic ballots
    • filling casual vacancies.

    The new Regulation came into place on 1 September 2022. To find out more about what the changes mean for you, visit the NSW Fair Trading website.

  • Thank you for your feedback

    This consultation closed on 29 July 2022.

    Thank you to participants for your contribution which we are currently reviewing.

    We may be in touch with some of you to discuss specific aspects of your submission (if you gave permission) and will post any final reports, including findings and recommendations here when available.

    Your feedback is very important to us as it will help shape Government policy, including Associations Incorporation Regulation.