Which groups are eligible for incorporation?

To be eligible for incorporation a group must:

• have at least six members who will have voting rights under the rules;
• be not-for-profit; and
• be formed for one or more of the purposes outlined under the Act.

The Act allows incorporation for the following purposes:

• religious, educational, charitable or benevolent purposes;
• promoting or encouraging literature, science or the arts;
• providing medical treatment or attention or promoting the interests of people who suffer from a particular physical, mental or intellectual disability or condition;
• sport, recreation or amusement;
• establishing, carrying on or improving a community or promoting the interests of a local community;
• conserving resources or preserving any part of the environmental, historical or cultural heritage of the State;
• promoting the interests of students or staff of educational institutions;
• political purposes; or
• promoting the common interests of persons engaged in or interested in a particular business, trade or industry.

If a group does not fit into any of the above categories it may apply for special approval by the Commissioner for Consumer Protection.