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Changing incorporated association details

There are processes for changing a range of details relating to an incorporated association. Some changes require the passing of a special resolution. Associations must comply with the Associations Incorporation Act 1964 (the Act).

Public Officer

An incorporated association must appoint a public officer. The person who applies for incorporation becomes the first public officer. However, the committee can appoint another person for this role (see Section 14 of the Act).

The public officer role can be misunderstood. The public officer has a number of statutory roles to fulfil. The principal role is being the association's legal official. Legal documents can be served on this person, for example a summons to appear in Court (see Section 28 of the Act which deals with the matter of service).

Another important role is notifying CBOS of rule amendments. This is done by lodging a Notice of Special Resolution form. The rules of an association may also give the public officer further duties to fulfil.

An incorporated association cannot appoint a person as public officer unless they are:

  • 18 years old or over, and
  • living in Tasmania.

Changing the name of an incorporated association

You can only change an association's name by special resolution (see Section 23 of the Act).

The public officer must lodge the special resolution notice with the Commissioner within one month. Complete the Notice of Special Resolution for a Name Change form.

Getting a copy of a certificate

CBOS issues associations with a Certificate of Registration. The certificate includes the name, registration number and date. If you cannot find the certificate, you can apply for a copy. Complete the Certificate Request form. There is a fee for issuing a certificate.

Voluntary transfer of an incorporated association

You can apply for an association to become registered or incorporated as a prescribed body corporate. This is defined as:

  1. a company under the Corporations Act 2001 registered in Tasmania, or
  2. a co-operative under the Co-operatives National Law (Tasmania) Act 2015, or
  3. any body corporate registered, incorporated or established under a law applying in Tasmania or outside Tasmania and prescribed in the Act.

You can apply for approval to transfer incorporation after association members hold a general meeting.

The association needs to pass a special resolution to become a prescribed body corporate. Complete the Special Resolution for Voluntary Transfer of an Association form.

Changing an association's financial year

You can change an association's financial year by special resolution.

A change in financial year generally creates an extended reporting period. For example, your organisation's financial year previously ended on 30 June. The association passes a motion to change to a year ending 31 December. There is now an 18-month reporting period from July one year through to December the following year. CBOS requires details on how you intend to manage this adjusted period. Complete the Special Resolution for Change of Financial Year form.

Last updated: 02 Aug 2023

This page has been produced and published by the Consumer Building and Occupational Services Division of the Department of Justice. Although every care has been taken in production, no responsibility is accepted for the accuracy, completeness, or relevance to the user's purpose of the information. Those using it for whatever purpose are advised to verify it with the relevant government department, local government body or other source and to obtain any appropriate professional advice. The Crown, its officers, employees and agents do not accept liability however arising, including liability for negligence, for any loss resulting from the use of or reliance upon the information and/or reliance on its availability at any time.