Incorporated Associations Act Reforms: Call for public submissions by the Minister for Fair Trading, Volunteering and Youth

27 February 2008 | Minister for Fair Trading, Youth and Volunteering, Linda Burney

Linda Burney, Minister for Fair Trading, Volunteering and Youth, has called for submissions from the public on proposed reforms to the Incorporated Associations Act.

The Act has relevance for two of the Minister's portfolios – Fair Trading and Volunteering.

"So many of the good things that happen in our community simply wouldn't occur without volunteers – the busy parents who find time to get to a P&C meeting, the teenager who coaches soccer, the retired accountants who do the books for the local netball club and the teachers who help migrants learn English in their spare time," said Ms Burney.

"And whether it's through a Lions Club, local church group, Landcare, Rivercare, Scouts, the district netball association or a local community services group, we know that most volunteers in NSW carry out their work through involvement in one of the State's 40,000 Incorporated Associations."

The proposed reforms to the Incorporated Associations Act contained in the exposure draft Bill are aimed at modernising the processes involved in running an association, strengthening current laws under which associations are run, and providing increased consumer protection for association members. They will make incorporating as an association by far the most simple and cost effective way for community organisations to operate effectively.

One proposed change is to make larger associations more accountable and to ensure they deliver greater financial surety to their members. This includes requiring associations with an annual turnover exceeding $200,000 to audit their financial statements.

Ms Burney said the Government appreciates that so many associations undertaking important work within their communities are small and do not have the same financial concerns, nor the resources, to deliver complex reporting requirements.

"So some of the changes recommended are designed to keep it as simple as possible for small associations," Ms Burney said.

The Minister announced the proposed reforms at an AFL player registration session held at Matraville with the Sydney Swans, junior players from the Maroubra Saints and their parents. Ms Burney took the opportunity to acknowledge and thank the huge army of parents who volunteer in their kids' sporting clubs right across the state.

The AFL in NSW and the ACT oversees more than 350 associations – approximately 15 to 20 with a turnover greater than $200,000 – and the sport enjoys the support of around 10,000 volunteers. These are mostly parents who generously donate their time to assist with coaching, administration, umpiring and fundraising.

The Office of Fair Trading will conduct consultation meetings with key stakeholders until the end of March to discuss the proposed reforms.

The Exposure Draft is available on the Fair Trading website at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au or by calling 13 32 20. Submissions close Friday, 11 April 2008.