Before you can register as a Co-operative, you must draft its rules and have them approved by the Registrar. In Tasmania, the Registrar is the Director of Consumer Affairs. Contact the Registrar through the Consumer, Building and Occupational Services.
A Co-operative’s rules describe the way in which the group organises its activities and governs its members.
The rules of a Co-operative have the effect of a contract between:
- the Co-operative and each member
- the Co-operative and each officer bearer, director, chief executive officer and secretary
- each of the members of the Co-operative.
As a member of a Co-operative, you are agreeing to observe the provisions of the rules.
Content of the rules
The rules may include the objectives of the Co-operative and any other provision that may be appropriate. These provisions must not be contrary to the Co-operatives National Law (CNL).
The rules should contain certain matters required by Schedule 1 of the CNL, including:
- the name. This must include the word 'Co-operative' or 'Cooperative'. It must end with 'Limited' or the abbreviation 'Ltd'
- the primary activity
- active membership provisions
- rights and liabilities of members
- number of directors and their qualifications
- meeting procedures.
NOTE: It is important to discuss the draft rules with prospective members. Decide on any changes before submitting them for formal approval.
Of particular importance is the active membership rule. This rule should set out precisely the primary activities of the proposed Co-operative. It should also specify what members need to do to support an activity or to maintain a relationship with the Co-operative.
Model rules
Model rules are available for use to help with the formation of a Co-operative. The rules cover all matters required by Schedule 1. They also provide an example of what a suitable set of rules for a Co-operative might look like. A Co-operative may wish to avoid a lengthy process in drafting its own rules and fill in the details and adopt the appropriate model rules.
- Model rules of a non-distributing Co-operative with share capital (DOCX, 66.7 KB)
- Model rules of a non-distributing Co-operative without share capital (DOCX, 65.0 KB)
- Model rules of a distributing Co-operative (DOCX, 70.8 KB)
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Co-operatives engage in a wide range of activities. Model rules are not intended to deal with all aspects of the business or activities of a Co-operative. It is essential that Co-operative rules are carefully considered to make sure they suit the Co-operative's proposed activities and intentions.
Co-operatives are able to include requirements in their rules that are greater or more stringent than those is the model rules. The model rules have been drafted to show how to meet the minimum requirements applying to a Co-operative.
Where to next?
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.