A Member of Parliament questions the not-for-profit status of Connect South West and inquires about the possibility of a review. The Minister clarifies the organisation's status under the Associations Incorporation Act and the process for lodging complaints.

AnsweredQoN 1236Legislative Council
Asked
3 December 2007
Portfolio
South West

QuestionView source ↗

CONNECT SOUTH WEST
(1) Given the business nature and activities of Connect South West, will the minister advise Parliament why it enjoys not-for-profit status? (2) Will the minister advise Parliament if there are any means by which Connect South West’s not-for-profit status can be reviewed? Hon KIM CHANCE

AnswerView source ↗

I thank Hon Nigel Hallett for providing some notice of the question. (1) Connect South West is an incorporated association under the Associations Incorporation Act 1987, which intends that incorporated associations be non-profit or not-for-profit organisations. This does not mean that an association cannot make a profit from its operations, but any profits made must be used to further the objects of the association and not be used to provide personal gain for its members. This is different from an incorporated company whereby profits are lawfully distributed to shareholders in the form of dividends. (2) The Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, which is responsible for administering the Associations Incorporation Act 1987, advises that there is no formal review process once an organisation is incorporated. However, individuals may write to DOCEP outlining any complaint and explaining why they would like a review. The department will then determine whether a review will be undertaken.
(2) Will the minister advise Parliament if there are any means by which Connect South West’s not-for-profit status can be reviewed? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Nigel Hallett for providing some notice of the question. (1) Connect South West is an incorporated association under the Associations Incorporation Act 1987, which intends that incorporated associations be non-profit or not-for-profit organisations. This does not mean that an association cannot make a profit from its operations, but any profits made must be used to further the objects of the association and not be used to provide personal gain for its members. This is different from an incorporated company whereby profits are lawfully distributed to shareholders in the form of dividends. (2) The Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, which is responsible for administering the Associations Incorporation Act 1987, advises that there is no formal review process once an organisation is incorporated. However, individuals may write to DOCEP outlining any complaint and explaining why they would like a review. The department will then determine whether a review will be undertaken.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Nigel Hallett for providing some notice of the question. (1) Connect South West is an incorporated association under the Associations Incorporation Act 1987, which intends that incorporated associations be non-profit or not-for-profit organisations. This does not mean that an association cannot make a profit from its operations, but any profits made must be used to further the objects of the association and not be used to provide personal gain for its members. This is different from an incorporated company whereby profits are lawfully distributed to shareholders in the form of dividends. (2) The Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, which is responsible for administering the Associations Incorporation Act 1987, advises that there is no formal review process once an organisation is incorporated. However, individuals may write to DOCEP outlining any complaint and explaining why they would like a review. The department will then determine whether a review will be undertaken.
I thank Hon Nigel Hallett for providing some notice of the question. (1) Connect South West is an incorporated association under the Associations Incorporation Act 1987, which intends that incorporated associations be non-profit or not-for-profit organisations. This does not mean that an association cannot make a profit from its operations, but any profits made must be used to further the objects of the association and not be used to provide personal gain for its members. This is different from an incorporated company whereby profits are lawfully distributed to shareholders in the form of dividends. (2) The Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, which is responsible for administering the Associations Incorporation Act 1987, advises that there is no formal review process once an organisation is incorporated. However, individuals may write to DOCEP outlining any complaint and explaining why they would like a review. The department will then determine whether a review will be undertaken.
(1) Connect South West is an incorporated association under the Associations Incorporation Act 1987, which intends that incorporated associations be non-profit or not-for-profit organisations. This does not mean that an association cannot make a profit from its operations, but any profits made must be used to further the objects of the association and not be used to provide personal gain for its members. This is different from an incorporated company whereby profits are lawfully distributed to shareholders in the form of dividends. (2) The Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, which is responsible for administering the Associations Incorporation Act 1987, advises that there is no formal review process once an organisation is incorporated. However, individuals may write to DOCEP outlining any complaint and explaining why they would like a review. The department will then determine whether a review will be undertaken.
(2) The Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, which is responsible for administering the Associations Incorporation Act 1987, advises that there is no formal review process once an organisation is incorporated. However, individuals may write to DOCEP outlining any complaint and explaining why they would like a review. The department will then determine whether a review will be undertaken.

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