4. Record Keeping and Commerce

Unlike other states, there is no requirement under the Western Australian Act that associations submit annual returns to Commerce. It is important, however, that associations maintain adequate records of their operations, particularly financial records, as in certain circumstances the Commissioner can direct that association records be provided to Commerce or that the association undergoes a financial audit. Failure to comply with Commerce's directions may be a criminal offence.

Under the proposed Act, associations would be required to lodge an annual return with Commerce. The return is not envisaged to be complex or intrusive, it will probably require only information such as the date of the last AGM, names of the current committee members and a contact address for the association.