During the life of an association there are bound to be times when a person has a concern about the running of the association. This chapter outlines some processes available to the committee and members for dealing with disputes.
Managing internal grievances and disputes as well as complaints from the public is an important task of the management committee.
Most concerns are resolved by simply contacting the appropriate person in the association or discussing the issue with other members. Failure by an association to allow its members to be heard and ensure their concerns are understood and given due consideration can result in relatively minor issues escalating.
Concerns about an association may be brought to a committee’s attention by:
Grievances arising from within the membership may relate to a range of issues including the conduct of individual members, the functioning of the management committee, how the association operates, membership and non-compliance with the rules of association.
In addition to these internal grievances, employees, volunteers or members may initiate complaints against associations in respect of legislation governing such areas as employment, discrimination and incorporation/governance. For example, a discrimination complaint may be possible under the Equal Opportunity Act 1984.
Where associations deal with the public by offering any form of service, there is also the potential for external grievances to arise for example, over the extent or quality of the service provided.
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:
In many cases, associations can resolve disputes internally and successful outcomes are usually achieved when the association has a well-publicised and simple procedure. The primary purpose of a dispute resolution process is to set out the steps to be followed in dealing with a grievance or dispute and to ensure a fair and timely response.
The process does not need to be complex and a fair process can often avoid having to resort to more drastic measures such as calling general meetings or the suspension/expulsion of members. Given the potential expense, not just in monetary terms, but in time and effort as well, it is worth taking the time to develop a dispute resolution process that encourages people to use it as a first step.
Some disputes may be subject to procedures set out in employment agreements, awards or contracts. This may apply to internal disputes either in conjunction with, or instead of a dispute resolution procedure.
The Act requires an association’s rules include a procedure for dealing with any dispute under or relating to the rules. It is up to the committee and members to decide on the procedure to be adopted but the process should give each party to the dispute an opportunity to be heard on the matter and ensure that there is an unbiased decision maker.
At a minimum it is recommended that the rules include procedures that:
If an association is unsure how to develop its own process it may wish to adopt the procedure included in the model rules. Rules 17 to 25 of the model rules outline the procedure for dealing with disputes and include.
Informal communication is the most common method for resolving a problem. However if informal discussions fail, then it may become necessary to use the formal dispute resolution process outlined in the association’s rules.
It is important that the members and committee utilise the association’s dispute resolution procedures where the issues cannot be resolved informally. All incorporated associations are required to ensure their rules contain a procedure for dealing with internal disputes involving members and the association.
If the association’s rules don’t include a dispute resolution process the procedure in the model rules is deemed to apply (Refer to Consumer Protection’s website for more information).
If the dispute resolution processes under the rules are exhausted and the complaint remains unresolved the parties may explore other options such as making an application to the State Administrative Tribunal for orders or calling a special general meeting of the membership.
The rules of an association may provide for members to call a special general meeting of the association. The rules will set out the minimum number of members that need to sign a request for a general meeting and you should also check the rules of the association to see if there are any specific timeframes to be followed.
Upon receipt of a request for a special general meeting the committee should confirm that it meets the requirements of the rules and make the necessary arrangements to convene the meeting. If the request is deficient in some way, the committee should provide the requesting members with guidance on the steps to be taken to correct the request.
Normal meeting procedures should be followed at the special general meeting in accordance with the rules of association (see Meetings).
Grievances and disputes may arise as a result of the conduct of one or more management committee members. For example, a committee member may not be acting in the best interests of the association or a committee member may be causing discontent amongst the committee, making it difficult for the management committee to operate.
An association may generally remove a committee member by means of a resolution at a general meeting. The process for removing a committee member should be set out in the rules of the association and the committee member should be given the opportunity to respond to the issues raised.
Where a committee member is removed, the association should take steps to appoint another member. This may be done by a vote of the members at the same meeting or the committee may fill the position using the casual vacancy process (the procedure to be used will depend on the association’s rules).
In some situations, it may be necessary for an association to suspend or expel a member. Members may be expelled for a number of reasons such as serious criminal conduct, failing to comply with the rules of the association and bringing the association into disrepute. Expulsion should be seen as a last resort, when all other options to resolve the problem have been exhausted.
The process for suspension and expulsion are normally set out in the rules of association and must be followed precisely. As a matter of natural justice, the member being suspended or expelled should be given a fair opportunity to be heard (to state their case) and to appeal against a decision.
As a suggestion when working to resolve a complaint or dispute within an association (whether informally or using the dispute resolution process), committees and members should be mindful of the following:
Most grievances and disputes can be resolved using internal procedures. Occasionally, these processes fail and help from an external party may be required.
An association can make use of professional mediation and dispute resolution services that are available. These services provide intervention in the form of negotiation, mediation and arbitration. This may avoid court action and the services are generally less time consuming and costly.
Where a dispute between individual members or members and the association relating to the rules cannot be resolved through the dispute resolution process as set out in the rules, an application may be made for the dispute to be heard by the State Administrative Tribunal (the SAT).
The SAT has powers to:
There are fees associated with applications to the SAT and more information about the application and hearing processes can be found at www.sat.justice.wa.gov.au or by calling 1300 306 017.
You can also find more information in fact sheets Going to the State Administrative Tribunal and Mediation in the State Administrative Tribunal.
An application can be made to a court to settle certain disputes, for example, where a committee member has mismanaged association funds. Resolving disputes through court action is likely to be costly and may not have the desired outcome. Courts are generally reluctant to interfere with the internal management of associations, particularly where the members have the power to resolve matters themselves. You should seek your own independent legal advice about the avenues available.
Depending on the nature of the concerns, some government departments may be able to provide assistance or advice. For example if the problem relates to:
If the association receives funding and your concerns relate to matters within the funding agreement you may wish to discuss the matter with the funding body.
Consumer Protection’s role is to ensure associations comply with the Associations Incorporation Act 2015. If there has been a breach of the Act, a formal complaint can be made to Consumer Protection. For example, if the association fails to present annual financial statements or reports at its Annual General Meeting.
It is highly recommended that members and committees make all reasonable attempts to resolve any complaints themselves, whether informally or through the dispute resolution process in the rules, prior to lodging a formal complaint.
Consumer Protection will only investigate where it appears a possible breach of the Act or the Regulations has occurred and information about what the Department will investigate is also included at the end of this chapter. Anyone thinking of lodging a complaint against an association should read this information carefully before submitting their complaint.
Consumer Protection will not:
If your concerns relate to a potential breach of the Act a Complaint Form for Incorporated Associations may be submitted along with copies of any supporting documents.
Consumer Protection assesses all complaints against the requirements of the Act and considers whether there is sufficient information and documentation provided to investigate the complaint further. Priority is given to dealing with complaints according to the seriousness of the conduct identified.
An association will always be given an opportunity to comment on any allegations made in a complaint relating to a potential breach of the Act.
Please note, even in cases where it appears after investigation there has been a breach of the Act, if the breach does not appear to be deliberate or fraudulent and the association agrees to comply with its obligations in the future, Consumer Protection may form the view that formal action is not in the public interest.
If your concerns do not relate to any of the matters listed below Consumer Protection is not able to consider your complaint. Please refer to the other sections of this chapter for information about the avenues available to resolve such concerns.
Meetings |
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Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held in each calendar year within 6 months after the end of the association’s financial year. |
s50 |
Decisions of the committee |
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Committee members are required to disclose any material personal interests they have in matters being considered at meetings of the Association’s committee. |
s42 |
Disclosed material personal interests to be recorded in the minutes. |
s42(6) |
Committee member to leave the meeting while the matter is discussed and voted on. |
s43 |
Committee member to disclose their material personal interest to the members at the next general meeting occurring after the relevant committee meeting where the matter was considered. |
s42 |
Committee members and officers have duties to act with care and diligence and in good faith and for a proper purpose. Committee members and officers must not improperly use their position or information to gain an advantage or cause detriment to the association. |
s44 - 47 |
Rules of association |
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The association keeps an up to date copy of its rules. |
s35 |
Each new member of the association is provided with their own copy of the rules when they join the association. |
s36 |
The rules are made available to members to inspect and copy if requested. |
s35 |
A copy of the rules or any particular part is given to a member, free of charge, if requested. |
s36 |
Changing the rules |
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Written notice specifying the proposed special resolution(s) to alter the rules and detailing the time and place of the general meeting given to all members in accordance with the rules. |
s51 |
Proposed special resolution(s) passed by 75% majority of members who are eligible to vote at general meeting |
s51 |
Amendments to the rules lodged with Consumer Protection within one month of passing the special resolution |
s30 |
Register of members |
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The association to keep an up to date register of members |
s53 |
The Register of Members is updated to include any changes in membership within 28 days of the change occurring. |
s53 |
The Register of Members is made available to members to inspect and copy if requested |
s54 |
A copy of the Register of Members is provided to a member if requested in writing (subject to any requirements to pay a reasonable fee or provide a statutory declaration). |
s56 |
Accounting records and reporting |
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Accurate accounting records kept that record and explain the financial transactions |
s66 |
Annual financial statements or reports prepared in accordance with the requirements of association’s Tier. |
s68,71,74 |
Annual financial statements or reports presented to the members at the AGM. |
s70,73,76 |
For Tier 2s – The annual accounts are to be reviewed |
s72 |
For Tier 3s – The annual accounts are to be audited |
s75 |
All financial records are to be kept for at least 7 years. |
s67 |
Other record keeping requirements |
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The association keeps an up to date Record of Office Holders. |
s58 |
The Record of Office Holders is made available to members to inspect and copy if requested. |
s58 |
All records belonging to the association in the possession of an outgoing committee member are returned to the association as soon as practicable after their appointment ceases. |
s41 |