INCORPORATED ENTITIES
Because legislation differs in each state and territory, it is difficult to outline detailed requirements for incorporated associations, but an incorporated association may need to:
- have a committee, responsible for managing the association
- have a public officer and notify any changes in that position
- have a registered office in its state of incorporation
- act in accordance with its objects and rules
- hold an annual general meeting once every calendar year
- lodge an annual statement every year
- keep proper accounting records and, in some states, prepare, have audited and lodge financial statements
- keep minutes of all committee and general meetings.
- keep registers of members and all committee members
- have a common seal.
| State/Territory | Link to authority |
Australian Capital Territory | Access Canberra |
New South Wales | Office of Fair Trading |
Northern Territory | Dept of Attorney-General and Justice |
Queensland | Office of Fair Trading |
South Australia | SA Government |
Tasmania | Consumer, Building and Occupational Services |
Victoria | Consumer Affairs Victoria |
| Western Australia | Government of Western Australia |
UNINCORPORATED ENTITIES
An unincorporated association differs from an incorporated association in that it:
- Cannot own land or enter contracts under its own name
- Employ people
- Sue or be sued
Further information can be found on the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission website.
OTHER ENTITY TYPES
Clubs may not be able to register as either an incorporated or unincorporated entity, and may instead elect to register as either a:
- Sole trader
- Partnership
- Company
- Trust
For further information about these different structures, please visit the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) website.
ABN LOOKUP
Clubs can use this free service to view your or another organisation's Australian Business Number (ABN) or Trading Name.
To access the service or update/modify your ABN, please visit the ABN Lookup website.
Please note: Brand new/newly affiliating clubs who have had their Legal/trading/ABN name confirmed, must still check with their applicable STA if the club name does not conflict with Gymnastics Australia's Club Name Policy.
Disclaimer: Please note that this information is not intended to constitute legal advice and is provided by Gymnastics Australia as general information only. You should not rely on it without first verifying the accuracy, completeness and currency of the material, its relevance to your individual circumstances and, where appropriate, obtaining specific legal advice. Gymnastics Australia does not make any warranties for the information contained herein in regard to compliance with the National Affiliation Standards.
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