Incorporation of an Association
Administered by: Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety / Consumer Protection
When is this licence required?
Incorporation allows associations to establish a corporate identity and provides legal status in return for accepting certain legal responsibilities. An incorporated association has the benefits of limited liability, can enter into contracts, and can sue and be sued.
When you incorporate your association, it becomes a legally separate entity with the same powers as an individual. An incorporated association can own land, sign a lease and appear in court.
An incorporated association and its members are legally separate. Under normal circumstances, it provides protection to the management committee from personal liability for the actions of the incorporated association, provided they are carried out in good faith and due diligence.
What are the eligibility requirements for this licence?
An association is eligible for incorporation if it has more than five members with voting rights and is formed for either:
- a religious, educational, charitable or benevolent purpose
- the purpose of promoting or encouraging literature, science or the arts
- the purpose of sport, recreation or amusement
- the purpose of establishing, carrying on, or improving a community, social or cultural centre, or promoting the interests of a local community
- political purposes.
If the purpose of your association is not one specified above, an application in writing may be made to the Commissioner for Consumer Protection to approve the purpose. However, an association is not eligible for incorporation if it is an association for the purpose of trading or securing financial profit to the members.
To be eligible to apply you must:
- provide a copy of the rules of the association conforming to the requirements of the Associations Incorporation Act
- issue an advertisement in the prescribed form to be published in a newspaper three months before you make your application
- provide a certificate certifying that you are authorised by the association to apply for registration, and verifying your application, copy of rules, that your association has more than five members, and that you have complied with the advertising requirements.
How much does this licence cost?
| Task | Type | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial | Application | $198.00 | Application for incorporation of an association (model rules). Fees for 2025-26 |
| Initial | Application | $246.00 | Application for incorporation of an association (own rules). Fees for 2025-26 |
What resources provide more information?
| Task | Type | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Initial | Smart Form | AssociationsOnline |
What legislation specifies this licence?
Associations Incorporation Act 2015 (Western Australia)
Associations Incorporation Regulations 2016 (Western Australia)
Who can you talk to for more information?
Associations and Charities Branch
Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety / Consumer Protection
| Operating address | Mason Bird Building Level 1 303 Sevenoaks Street |
| Mailing address | LOCKED BAG 14 Cloisters Square PO, Western Australia 6850 |
| Phone | 1300 304 074 |
| Phone | 08 6552 9300 |
| associations@lgirs.wa.gov.au | |
| Business website | Consumer Protection |
More Information
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