business.gov.au

Registration of a co-operative - Queensland

Description

You will need this registration if you intend to form a co-operative. A co-operative is an organisation owned and controlled by its members that operates primarily for economic, social or cultural benefit of its members. A co-operative legally registered in one jurisdiction is able to operate on a national basis without the need for further registration or reporting requirements in each state.

A co-operative can be either a:

  • distributing co-operative
  • non-distributing co-operative.

A distributing co-operative can give a return or distribute surplus to the members of the co-operative as bonus shares, dividends or rebates. A non-distributing co-operative cannot give a return or distribute surplus to its members as they are not-for-profit organisations.

Service type

Licence

A licence defines the need to obtain recognition / certification and registration to undertake a certain business activity.

Eligibility requirements

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

  • approved rules
  • an approved draft disclosure statement
  • two or more co-operatives (for a co-operative group)
  • a membership of five or more people (for any other co-operative)
  • held a formation meeting.

Duration

As specified

Fees

Fees Details for this service in table format.

Task Type Business Structure Description
Apply Application Co-operative

Fee information is in the attached fee resource.

Application process

Apply

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

  1. Approval of a set of rules by the Registrar. A draft disclosure statement for distributing co-operatives must also be approved and for other co-operatives if required by the Registrar.
  2. Once approved, a formation meeting is held to formally adopt the rules and, where a disclosure statement is required, to present the disclosure statement to prospective members.
  3. After the formation meeting, an application to register a co-operative form is lodged with the Registrar.

Administering agency

Department of Justice and Attorney-General

Office of Fair Trading

Registration Services

Contact details

Contact Email, Phone and Address Details for this service in simple two column table format, header then data.