Thursday August 6, 7pm-8pm (SA time), on Zoom
After almost 13 years of incredible activities, Anti-Poverty Network SA wants to invite members to an online info session to consider whether it is time for us to update our legal structure, by becoming an incorporated association.
(Currently, we are an unincorporated association, though registered with the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission.)
This second info session will explore what incorporation would mean for us:
-What the benefits might be
-What the process would look like: what we would need to do, and what cost would be involved
-How it might change how we operate, including what it might mean for our activism, and our politics
All members welcome.
Further Info/To RSVP: info@apnsa.org
Hi everyone, this is just a little info on what it will like to incorporate, learned by my volunteer job as Treasurer, 21/2 years ago:
Incorporation would give your group legal protection, formal structure, and access to funding, but it would also introduce compliance obligations and may slightly change how you present your activism publicly. It does not stop you from political advocacy, but it does require you to be careful about how you do it.
Legal protection for members — Incorporation creates a separate legal entity. If something goes wrong (injury, dispute, financial issue), liability sits with the organisation, not individuals.
Ability to enter contracts — You can sign leases, hire staff, purchase insurance, and enter service agreements under the organisation’s name.
Clear governance structure — Roles, responsibilities, and decision‑making processes become formalised, which helps with stability and continuity.
Credibility and legitimacy — Funders, councils, and partner organisations often prefer or require incorporated status.
Access to grants — Many government and philanthropic grants require incorporation (or auspicing).
Financial and operational benefits
Ability to hold a bank account in the organisation’s name.
Insurance eligibility — Public liability, volunteer insurance, and professional indemnity become easier to obtain.
Continuity — The organisation continues even if members leave.
Agree to incorporate — A formal meeting where members vote to proceed.
Draft or adopt a constitution — Must meet the Associations Incorporation Act 1985 (SA) requirements.
Choose a name — Must be unique and include “Inc.” or “Incorporated”.
Elect a committee — Usually a minimum of a Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Submit application to Consumer and Business Services (CBS).
Pay the fee and wait for approval.
B. Costs involved
Application fee: Typically around $200–$250 depending on the type of association.
Unless you choose for this be done by a lawyer, the costs are probably far higher.
Governance and internal processes
You’ll need formal decision-making, not just informal consensus.
Committee members will have legal duties (care, diligence, acting in good faith).
You may need policies (conflict of interest, financial management, complaints).
Partisan activity — Incorporated associations can advocate on issues but must avoid endorsing specific candidates or parties.
Risk management — Public actions need proper safety planning and insurance.
Reputation management — As a legal entity, your public messaging carries more weight and scrutiny.
Record keeping — Decisions about political actions must be properly minuted.
Fruther to my original comment, there is a bit more info:
Legal protection for organisers and volunteers
APN members often engage in public actions, media work, and advocacy that can attract scrutiny. Incorporation creates a separate legal entity, reducing personal liability for individuals.
Ability to hold insurance
Public liability and volunteer insurance become easier to obtain. This matters for rallies, community meetings, and direct‑action events.
Credibility with institutions
Government departments, councils, and media often take incorporated organisations more seriously. It can strengthen APN’s negotiating position when advocating for policy change.
Access to grants and donations
Many philanthropic bodies will not fund unincorporated groups. Incorporation opens doors to:
small advocacy grants
community development funding
donations that require receipts or formal governance