This chapter explains what it means to be incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act 2015 and the various powers of an incorporated association.

Key points

• Incorporation creates a new legal entity with powers similar to those of a natural person.
• As a not-for-profit organisation an association may operate a business and make a profit but no profits or property can be distributed to the members.
• If the association wants to trade under a different name, it will need to register a business name with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).