Compliance

Running a community club involves more than just delivering great experiences on the field — it also requires meeting important legal, financial, and operational obligations. Compliance ensures your club is operating within the law, protecting its members, and building a strong foundation for future success.

Compliance refers to following the legal, financial, and reporting obligations required of incorporated associations and community clubs. This includes submitting financial reports, maintaining records, holding annual meetings, and renewing incorporation status.

Compliance also means understanding and abiding by relevant legislation – including working with children, member protection, and financial transparency.

Note: Safeguarding (e.g. working with children, member safety) is a critical area of compliance and is covered separately in the Safeguarding section of this website.

Maintaining compliance helps clubs:

• Meet legal obligations and avoid penalties
• Protect committee members and volunteers
• Secure eligibility for grants and funding

Each state and territory have its own legislation and compliance reporting requirements for incorporated associations. Use the links below to check your obligations and key due dates:

• National - Australian Taxation Office – Not for Profit self-review
• ACT – Access Canberra - Annual Returns
• NSW – NSW Fair Trading - Financial reporting requirements
• NT – Licensing NT
• QLD – Queensland Government - Financial responsibilities for incorporated associations
• SA – Consumer and Business Services SA - Financial management in incorporated associations
• TAS – CBOS Tasmania
• VIC – Consumer Affairs Victoria
• WA – WA Consumer Protection - Tiered financial reporting