Consumer Watch with Candice Evans: How to self-check to ensure your association is not at risk of cancellation

Almost 5000 incorporated associations in WA are behind in lodging one or more annual information statements (AIS) and are at risk of being de-registered.

Consumer Protection administers incorporated associations, not-for-profit groups set up for many social, sporting or community purposes – for example, a swimming club, a school P&C, a charity or a volunteer group.

There’s lots of reasons people want to form an association but to remain active, an AIS must be submitted every year at the end of their financial year.

A total of 4901 associations in WA are behind in lodging their AIS. Consumer Protection has attempted to contact them via email and notifications.

When an association does not submit its AIS, Consumer Protection may believe it is no longer operating and take action to cancel its incorporation.

Consumer Protection has published a list of associations that are overdue in lodging their AIS. You can check if your association is listed by visiting: https://www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au/associations-information-statement

Even if your association is not on the list, this is a sharp reminder of the importance of complying with the obligations more broadly and keeping your association’s contact details up to date.

It can be a good idea to use a general email address that multiple management committee members can access rather than a specific person’s to ensure emails from Consumer Protection are received if someone is away or leaves the association.

Information statements must be submitted within six months after the end of an association’s financial year. Associations and clubs can choose their own financial year, so the due date for submitting will differ between groups.

The quickest way to complete the AIS and submit forms on behalf of an incorporated association is via AssociationsOnline. If you are responsible for an incorporated association you can register for access to AssociationsOnline to manage its registration and other obligations at — www.lgirs.wa.gov.au/associationsonline

The Consumer Protection website has plenty of information to help people start and run an efficient association. It’s also worth subscribing to the Associations Newsletter for the latest updates on laws, events, news and reminders.

Failure to act immediately may result in Consumer Protection taking further action by issuing a Show Cause Notice under the Associations Incorporation Act 2015 to commence cancellation should the AIS not be lodged immediately.

For further information and advice, contact 1300 30 40 74 or email associations.branch@lgirs.wa.gov.au