Register a co-operative

Introduction

There are 3 steps to registering a new co-operative:

1. Get approval of the name, draft rules and disclosure statement.
2. Hold a formation meeting to formally adopt the rules and present the disclosure statement (if applicable) to prospective members.
3. Within 2 months of the formation meeting, submit an application to register the co-operative.

You can lodge the completed forms and supporting documents by email, mail, or in person at a service centre.

For detailed information on the documentation you need to complete this transaction visit About co-operatives on the NSW Fair Trading website.

Eligibility

To be eligible for registration, a proposed co-operative must have:

• two-thirds of prospective members vote to adopt the rules at the formation meeting
• a membership of
  • 2 or more co-operatives (if a co-operative group), or
  • 5 or more active members (in the case of any other co-operative).

What you need

Step 1: Approval of name, rules and formation disclosure statement

You'll need the:

• form 'Application to approve co-operative name, rules and formation disclosure statement'
• name of the proposed co-operative
• draft rules
• draft formation disclosure statement (if applicable).

Step 2: At the formation meeting

You'll need:

• at least 5 prospective members in attendance, and
• for signing:
  • 2 copies of rules (approved by the Registrar)
  • 1 copy of the disclosure if a distributing co-operative (approved by the Registrar)
  • the form 'Application to Register a Co-operative'.

Step 3: Registering the co-operative

You'll need:

• the completed 'Application to Register a Co-operative' form
• registered office and postal addresses of the co-operative
• estimated financial details including share numbers and value, revenue, gross assets, and number of employees
• details of co-operative board members elected at the formation meeting
• 2 signed and certified copies of the rules
• 1 copy of signed and certified formation disclosure statement (if applicable).

How to register

1. Gather your supporting documents and the completed 'Application to approve co-operative name, rules and formation disclosure statement'.
2. Submit the documents and completed form either:
   • in person at a service centre, or
   • by email or post (you'll find address details on the form).
3. When approval from the Registrar has been received:
   • prepare the documents
   • hold the formation meeting to approve the rules
   • elect the directors, and
   • authorise the application for registration of the co-operative.
4. Submit the signed 'Application to Register a Co-operative' form, rules and disclosure statement (if applicable), and application fee to Registry Services.

More information

• All members of a co-operative have equal status and voting rights.