Associations & co‑operatives Associations Running an association Resolving disputes

Resolving disputes

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Who handles disputes within an association?

The management committee of an association is responsible for the administration of the association, including handling internal disputes between members (in their capacity as members), as well as disputes between members and the association.

What should I do if I have a dispute?

The first step is to try to resolve the dispute directly with the parties involved.

The association's constitution is required to set out a mechanism for the resolution of disputes between members and the association. If it fails to do so, the procedure outlined in the Model constitution will apply.

If the dispute cannot be resolved within the association, you may wish to seek appropriate legal advice or use an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) service.

For information on ADR services, contact:

Can NSW Fair Trading intervene in a dispute?

Fair Trading’s role is to ensure associations comply with the Act, including monitoring financial reporting and other obligations. As the regulator, Fair Trading's authority is limited to those matters stipulated under the Act.

Fair Trading cannot intervene in internal disputes.

Specifically, Fair Trading does not:

  • provide legal advice
  • act for particular parties to a dispute
  • intervene in breaches of the constitution
  • intervene in issues concerning membership, the validity of meetings or the validity of elections
  • investigate an alleged theft of association funds or other criminal matters - these are matters for NSW Police.

Where a dispute results in conflicting documents being lodged on behalf of an association, Fair Trading may record the association as being “in dispute” on the Register of Incorporated Associations. This effectively locks the Register and no documents will be accepted for lodgement until the matter is resolved by the association.

Where can I get assistance?

Legal assistance may be obtained from the following sources:

In addition, Justice Connect has free ‘self-help’ legal resources, including fact sheets and guides to assist incorporated associations and in limited circumstances, may be able to provide some legal assistance. Visit https://www.nfplaw.org.au/help

Need more information?

Registry and Accreditation

Make an enquiry online

FreeCall: 1800 502 042

PO Box 22
Bathurst NSW 2795

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