Co-operative registration

In the ACT, co-operatives are registered under Co-operatives National Law (ACT) Act 2017.

A co-operative is a democratically run organisation owned, controlled and used by its members for the mutual benefit of those members.

Co-operatives can be formed as either 'distributing' or 'non-distributing' co-operatives. Distributing co-operatives distribute surplus funds to their members.

For guidance on forming a co-operative, visit the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals website.

Active co-operatives registered in the ACT

View the register of active registered co-operatives.

Director Identification Number system

The Director Identification Number (DIN) system allocates a unique identifier to individual directors who have verified their identity with the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS).

Officers of a co-operative don’t need a DIN unless the co-operative is also a registered Australian Body.

Visit the ABRS website to check if you need a DIN.

Co-operative rules

A proposed set of draft rules must be approved by Access Canberra before being put to the proposed members at the formation meeting.

Model rules

Instead of creating your own rules you can adopt the model rules.

To be adopted, the rules must be passed by two-thirds of the proposed members attending the formation meeting.

The 3 sets of model rules are found in the Co-operatives National Regulations and include:

• Schedule 5 Model rules for a distributing co-operative
• Schedule 6 Model rules for a non-distributing co-operative without share capital
• Schedule 7 Model rules for a non-distributing co-operative with share capital.

Submit your rules for approval

Before your formation meeting, submit your rules to Access Canberra for approval.

1. Use the Application to approve co-operative rules and formation disclosure statement (PDF 206KB) (Word 236KB) form.
2. Submit it to Access Canberra by:
   • email to citl@act.gov.au
   • post to Access Canberra, GPO BOX 158, Canberra City ACT 2601.

Register a co-operative

Within 2 months of the formation meeting, you must apply for registration.

You can request an extension of time by emailing citl@act.gov.au.

To apply:

1. Complete an Application to register a proposed co-operative (PDF 305KB) (Word 101KB). The form must be signed by at least 5 suitably qualified members, including 2 directors elected at the formation meeting.
2. Include:
   • two copies of the proposed rules signed and certified by the people who acted as chairperson and secretary at the formation meeting
   • a copy of the disclosure statement presented to the formation meeting signed and certified by the people who acted as chairperson and secretary at the formation meeting
   • a statement listing the name, address, occupation, place of birth and date of birth of each director.
   • any other particulars such as a statutory declaration completed by each director
3. Pay the fee. You can do this online.

Access Canberra will contact you if we need more information.

Once registered you’ll receive a Certificate of Registration, and your co-operative can commence its activities.

Make a co-operative payment

Replacement certificates

If you need a replacement certificate you can order and pay for one online.

Request a replacement certificate

Obligations

Financial reporting obligations for co-operatives are dictated by the Co-operatives National Law and tax laws.

Small co-operatives have less onerous financial reporting obligations than large co-operatives. Large co-operatives must also comply with Australian Accounting Standards.

View the Standards on the Australian Accounting Standards Board website.

Reporting to members

A co-operative must report to its members within 5 months after the end of its financial year.

Chapter 3 of the Co-operatives National Regulations details the reporting co-operatives must provide to members.

Co-operatives must keep written financial records for 7 years after the transactions covered by the records are completed.

Annual returns

Co-operatives must lodge an annual return with Access Canberra:

• if the annual general meeting was not held within 5 months after the relevant financial year of the co-operative, at the latest within 28 days after the end of that period, or
• 28 days after the day of the annual general meeting.

If the report is submitted 60 days or more past this date a fee applies.

To lodge a return:

1. Use the applicable form:
   • Annual return - Small co-operative (PDF 198KB) (Word 231KB)]
   • Annual report - Large co-operative (PDF 198KB) (Word 212KB)]
2. Include:
   1. a list stating the secretary, directors and the principal executive officers of the co-operative and each of its subsidiaries, as at the date the annual report is filed
   2. a copy of the financial statements for its most recently ended financial year
   3. a copy of the financial statements of each subsidiary of the co-operative for the most recently ended financial year (where applicable)
   4. a copy of any report by the auditor of the co-operative or subsidiary
   5. a copy of the auditor's report in relation to those accounts.
3. Submit it to Access Canberra by:
   • email to citl@act.gov.au
   • post to Access Canberra, GPO BOX 158, Canberra City ACT 2601

Annual returns lodged on time do not attract a fee.

Forms and fees

View all registered co-operative forms and fees.