Associations Incorporation (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill

Second Reading

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (16:48): I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

I seek leave to have the second reading explanation and the detailed explanation of clauses inserted in Hansard without my reading them.

Leave granted.

Mr President, I move that this Bill be now read a second time.

The Associations Incorporation Act 1985 regulates the creation and governance arrangements for incorporated associations in South Australia.

There are over 20,000 incorporated associations in South Australia, representing diverse interests and groups in the community. These associations range from special interest clubs which have few members and whose income is derived solely from subscriptions, to large organisations that operate businesses.

As the Attorney-General has already outlined in the other place, to realise the benefits of an IT upgrade that CBS is undergoing, this Bill will make minor administrative amendments by allowing for greater use of online forms and email communication.

The amendments proposed in this Bill aim to bring regulation into line with modern technology and business practice, by removing the need for statutory declarations to accompany applications for incorporation of associations or changes to an association's rules.

I understand from the Attorney-General's Office this Bill has the broad support of the Opposition and I thank them for its quick passage through the other place.

The Government understands the importance of incorporated associations in our communities—and even to our economy—which is why we are removing this red tape from organisations that are principally administered by volunteers.

Mr President, I commend this Bill to Members and table the Explanation of Clauses.

Explanation of Clauses

Part 1—Preliminary

1—Short title

2—Amendment provisions

These clauses are formal.

Part 2—Amendment of Associations Incorporation Act 1985

3—Amendment of section 19—Manner in which application for incorporation is to be made

This clause deletes subsection (2)(b) which requires a statutory declaration to accompany an application for the incorporation of an association.

4—Amendment of section 24—Alteration of rules

This clause deletes subsection (3)(b) which requires a statutory declaration to accompany an application for registration of a proposed alteration of the rules of an incorporated association.

5—Amendment of section 64—Service

This clause inserts paragraph (d) to allow a process, notice or other document to be served on an incorporated association by email.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. C.M. Scriven.