Enforcing the rules of an association

The rules of an incorporated association outline how the organisation will operate and manage its affairs. The rules represent a binding agreement between the association and its members.

Members and the committee share the responsibility for ensuring that the association operates in accordance with its rules. Disputes about the interpretation or application of the rules should be dealt with by the association using the internal dispute resolution processes.

Examples of matters which need to be dealt with by members include:

• the admission or expulsion of members;
• renewal of memberships;
• the conduct of committee meetings; and
• the inspection of records other than those referred to under the Act (being the register of members, rules and list of office bearers).