Start an incorporated association

If you're a non-profit group that wants to become incorporated, there are steps you must take before you can register.

Read below to find out more. You can also watch the video.

Get a printable fact sheet PDF (808.0 KB).

Before you begin

Before you start the process, make sure your group understands and can meet the requirements involved in setting up and running an incorporated association.

To be eligible to apply, you must:

  • have at least 5 people to apply for registration
  • develop a constitution for your association
  • set up a committee to manage the association's affairs
  • appoint a public officer who resides in the NT
  • have an official address within the NT
  • choose a name that reflects your organisation's purpose
  • hold your first AGM within 18 months – you must hold all following meetings within 5 months of the end of your financial year
  • find out what insurance your association needs
  • submit annual financial statements
  • keep records and registers up to date.

You must also notify the compliance team of any changes.

How to register

To register, follow the steps below.

You can also get the checklist.

New association checklist PDF (918.9 KB)
New association checklist DOCX (42.5 KB)

Step 1. Select a name

The name you select must be different from business and organisation names listed on the Australian Securities and Investments Commission website.

You must not use any unauthorised names based on the Associations Regulations 2004.

For example:

  • Commonwealth
  • Federal
  • United Nations
  • ANZAC
  • Bank
  • Co-operative
  • the Crown
  • Scout Association
  • Red Cross.

Your name must include the word 'incorporated' as the last word.

You can't register a business name until the association has been:

  • approved
  • issued an incorporation number.

If you want to use an unauthorised name, email associations.compliance@nt.gov.au.

Step 2. Develop a constitution

You must create a standard set of rules for your association. This is known as a constitution.

The constitution sets out how your association will operate.

You can use the  model constitution template  or draft your own document.

Model constitution template PDF (216.7 KB)
Model constitution template DOCX (32.6 KB)

In your constitution, you must set out all of the following:

  • objective and purpose
  • membership:
    • categories - e.g. individual, family, associate
    • rights of each category
  • committee positions - e.g. chair, vice-chair, secretary and treasurer
  • eligibility to hold a committee position
  • your end of financial year.

Step 3. Meet to formalise the process

Once you've selected a name and drafted a constitution, you must:

  • arrange a first meeting with all members
  • prepare an agenda
  • prepare an attendance register.

Read more about other registers you need to keep as part of your responsibilities.

At the meeting, you should:

  • put the name to a vote
  • select members to positions or confirm that the existing committee remains until the next:
    • annual general meeting or
    • an appointed time selected by the committee
  • select or confirm a public officer - they must reside in the NT
  • put the constitution to a vote
  • present the motion to members to become incorporated
  • authorise the public officer to submit the application to become incorporated.

You must prepare minutes to record motions of all decisions.

Get the formation meeting minutes template.

Formation meeting minutes template PDF (149.0 KB)
Formation meeting agenda template DOCX (33.9 KB).

Step 4. Submit your application

Once the meeting minutes are drafted, you can apply to become incorporated.

You can apply online, by email or in person.

The public officer must complete this process. Each committee member must also complete their details and relevant section of the application.

Online

To apply online, go to Licensing NT.

Attach supporting documents

You must attach the following supporting documents:

You will be prompted to pay the prescribed fee.

Email or in person

To apply by email or in person, follow these steps:

Step 1. Fill in the form.

Incorporated association form PDF (187.8 KB)
Incorporated association form DOCX (71.8 KB)

Step 2. Submit your completed application by email to territorybusinesscentre@nt.gov.au or in person at your nearest Territory Business Centre.

You will need to provide:

  • application for incorporation
  • meeting minutes
  • new association statutory declaration
  • constitution with annexure 'A'
  • prescribed fee.

Contact

Contact the compliance team.

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