Associations Incorporation (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill

Second Reading

Adjourned debate on second reading.

(Continued from 12 September 2019.)

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (16:18): I rise today to speak briefly on this bill and indicate that Labor will support this legislation. As I understand, this bill seeks to modernise the administration of the Associations Incorporation Act by removing the need for a statutory declaration when lodging an application for the incorporation of an association and when applying for registration of a change in the rules of an incorporated association.

We have been advised by the Attorney-General's Department that this change brings South Australia into line with other jurisdictions and will also allow Consumer and Business Services more flexibility to allow these applications to be made through online forms and email. This bill also seeks to modernise service upon incorporated associations by allowing service via email. Currently, the legislation only allows service of physical documents, which in 2019 is somewhat outdated. We have been advised by the government that there is no specific problem with the current traditional method of service; however, we agree that service should also be possible through email.

My colleague in the other place the member for Kaurna has put on notice a series of questions that we would appreciate answers to in relation to consultation on this bill. Additionally, in terms of what protections there will be, is there any risk of someone fraudulently emailing Consumer and Business Services and requesting details they otherwise would not have been entitled to and that would have been secure in previous legislation? The Treasurer, representing the Attorney-General, possibly has some answers to those questions in his summing-up. With those words, once again we indicate support for the bill.

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (16:20): I thank the honourable member for his question. I do have some answers, I think, but if there are any subsequent ones, assuming I have an officer available, we will see whether we will be able to provide any further answers if that is required. I thank the honourable member for his contribution to the bill, and I thank the opposition for its support of the swift passage of these amendments through the parliament.

This will enable Consumer and Business Services to take full advantage of its IT upgrade to the benefit of some 20,000 not-for-profit organisations in South Australia. While these amendments are rather minor in nature, they will relieve these organisations of unnecessary red tape. This is especially important when one considers that most of the organisations are run by volunteers or have a charitable purpose.

I note that the majority of the questions posed by the opposition, with answers supplied to the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, concern the position of stakeholders. For the benefit of the council, no stakeholders were consulted as these reforms were considered of a technical nature for the benefit of these associations. This government supports these associations in more contemporary ways of doing business.

As I said, I am advised that some of the answers have been provided to the Leader of the Opposition in the council; however, if there are other issues he wishes to pursue, to the extent I might be able to I will endeavour to provide answers during the committee stage. If not I am happy to take further questions on notice on behalf of the Attorney and the government.

Bill read a second time.

Committee Stage

Bill taken through committee without amendment.

Third Reading

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (16:24): I move:

That this bill be now read a third time.

Bill read a third time and passed.