On 1 February 2024, new model rules for incorporated associations will become effective.

The new model rules include the following changes:

• New provisions for dispute resolution between members, or members and the committee.
• Clearer provisions for disciplinary proceedings.
• The requirement for an independent decision-maker to be appointed where a dispute resolution procedure has started, or where the committee has decided to propose disciplinary action.
• Virtual attendance at committee meetings and general meetings, where an association’s committee or a requesting member decides.
• Clearer descriptions of roles of committee members.
• New provisions for the president, vice president, secretary, or treasurer to delegate their functions to any other relevant committee member.
• Revisions to proxy voting in general meetings.

These changes have been implemented following extensive consultation with stakeholders. You can read more about the consultation process on the Better Regulation Taskforce webpage.

What you need to do

Associations should review the new model rules before the regulation comes into effect on 1 February 2024.

If your association operates under the existing model rules, and you want to continue to operate under the new model rules, you do not need to do anything – these will automatically come into effect for your association from 1 February 2024.

If you would like to make changes to your rules, you need to submit a Change of rules or objects of an association form, available on the Access Canberra website.

If your association operates under its own set of rules, and you don’t want to adopt the new model rules, you don’t need to do anything.