Groups can be set up for many social, sporting and community purposes. Incorporating an association provides a simple and affordable way for these not for profit member groups to establish themselves as legal entities.

What does incorporation mean?

When a group incorporates, it becomes a legal entity in its own right which is able to do things in its own name. For example an incorporated association can own land, borrow money and enter into contracts.

Each incorporated association is formed to undertake particular activities or pursue a specific object as set out in the association’s rules (often known as the constitution). The rules provide a unique framework which outlines how the association is operated and managed by its members.

Who is eligible for incorporation?

A group is eligible for incorporation under the Associations Incorporation Act 2015 if it has at least 6 members with voting rights, does not distribute funds to its members and is formed for any of the following purposes:

• religious, educational, charitable or benevolent purposes;
• promoting literature, science or the arts;
• providing medical treatment, attention or promoting the interests of people who suffer from a particular physical, mental or intellectual disability or condition;
• sport, recreation or amusement;
• establishing, carrying on or improving a community, social or cultural centre or promoting the interests of a local community;
• conserving resources or preserving any part of the environmental, historical or cultural heritage of the State;
• promoting the interests of students or staff of educational institutions;
• political purposes;
• promoting the common interests of persons engaged or interested in a particular business, trade or industry; or
• any other purpose as approved by the Commissioner for Consumer Protection.

Go to the Inc Guide e-book: Introduction to incorporated associations http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/books/inc-guide-incorporated-associations-western-australia/introduction-incorporated-associations