The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) has invited the members of Western Australia’s 20,000 associations and not-for-profit groups to comment on a planned update of laws governing their activities.
In a statement announcing the Associations Incorporation Act 2015 Statutory Review Discussion Paper 2022, the Department said the overall aim was to reduce associations’ red tape burden.
“The Associations Incorporation Act 2015 is now under Review considering, among other things, whether financial reporting and audit obligations can be simplified, particularly for smaller associations,” DMIRS said.
“The Review will also look at whether laws are keeping pace with the advances in modern information and communications technology that facilitate the associations’ activities,” it said.
The Department said this was particularly relevant in light of greater demands arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister for Commerce, Roger Cook said associations made a crucial contribution to the quality of community life and to the economy of Western Australia.
“So it’s important that we get the balance right between protecting members, while not placing too much of a regulatory burden on those who manage them,” Mr Cook said.
“With many associations being run by volunteers, we want to make sure that compliance is not too demanding and seek suggestions where it can be reduced or streamlined.”
The closing date for submissions is 4 April.
DMIRS’s 15-page Discussion Paper, including how to make a submission, can be accessed at this PS News link.
