VIC CO-OPERATIVE REGISTRATION CHECKLIST

Regulator:

Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV)

Before lodging:

At least 5 founding members (individuals or organisations)
Decide: Distributing Co-op (DC) or Non-distributing Co-op (NDC)
Select legal name — must include “Co-operative” or “Co-op”
Registered office must be located in Victoria
Rules/Constitution prepared using CNL model
Disclosure Statement completed (DC only)

Documents to lodge:

Application for Registration of a Co-operative
Rules of the Co-operative (constitution)
Disclosure Statement (DC only)
Formation Meeting Minutes
Registered Office Consent (if not owned by co-op)
Director Consents
Copy of Name Availability Search (optional but recommended)

Fees (approx., subject to annual update):

Registration fee: ~$194
Lodgement of Rules: included in fee
Optional name reservation: ~$44

Where to lodge:

Email: cav.registration@justice.vic.gov.au or Post: Consumer Affairs Victoria — Co-operatives Registry

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF A CO-OPERATIVE (VICTORIA)

To: Consumer Affairs Victoria — Co-operatives Registry

We, the undersigned, apply to register a co-operative under the Co-operatives National Law (Victoria).

Proposed name of co-operative: [FULL LEGAL NAME INCLUDING “CO-OPERATIVE” OR “CO-OP” AND “LIMITED”]

Primary activity (purpose): [DESCRIBE CLEAR BENEFIT TO MEMBERS]

Registered office address: [FULL STREET ADDRESS IN VICTORIA]

Co-operative type (tick): [ ] Non-Distributing Co-operative [ ] Distributing Co-operative

Rules: The Rules submitted with this application are based on: [X] CNL Model Rules [ ] Custom Rules

Formation meeting: The formation meeting was held on [DATE] and a resolution to form the co-operative and adopt the Rules was carried.

Directors appointed: [List full names & addresses]

Contact for this application: [NAME] [EMAIL] [PHONE]

Signed by founding members:

________ Signature: ____
________ Signature: ____
________ Signature: ____
________ Signature: ____
________ Signature: ____ (Add more if required)

RULES OF [CO-OPERATIVE NAME] LIMITED

Name The name of the co-operative is [CO-OPERATIVE NAME] LIMITED.
Primary Activity The co-operative exists to [PURPOSE] for the benefit of its members.
Active Membership A member is active by [DEFINE ACTIVITY OBLIGATION] at least once every [PERIOD]. Members who fail to remain active may have their membership cancelled under the CNL.
Qualifications for Membership Any person or organisation that supports the Primary Activity and agrees to these Rules may apply for membership.
Voting Each member has one vote regardless of shareholding, investment or contribution.
Shares (Distributing co-ops only) (a) Shares may be issued in accordance with these Rules and the Disclosure Statement. (b) Shares are not transferable except as permitted by the CNL and these Rules.
Board of Directors (a) Minimum of three directors. (b) The majority of directors must ordinarily reside in Australia. (c) Directors are elected at general meetings for terms of [X] years.
General Meetings A general meeting must be held at least once every financial year. A quorum is [X] members.
Surplus (a) For Non-Distributing Co-operative — surplus must be applied to the primary activity and may not be distributed to members. (b) For Distributing Co-operative — surplus may be applied as dividends, rebates or patronage returns.
Resignation and Cancellation Members may resign by written notice. The Board may cancel membership for inactivity or breaches of the Rules.
Dispute Resolution The parties must first attempt internal resolution. If unresolved, the dispute may be referred to mediation under the CNL.
Winding Up Any surplus assets on winding up must be dealt with according to the CNL and these Rules.

FORMATION MEETING — [CO-OPERATIVE NAME] LIMITED

Date: [DATE] Location: [ADDRESS]

Agenda:

Agreement to form the co-operative
Adoption of the Rules
Appointment of directors
Authorisation to lodge registration with Consumer Affairs Victoria

Resolutions carried: • That the persons present agree to form [CO-OPERATIVE NAME] LIMITED. • That the Rules presented be adopted. • That the following people be appointed as directors: – [FULL NAME] – [FULL NAME] – [FULL NAME] • That [NAME] is authorised to lodge the application for registration.

Signatures of all founding members are attached.

Chair: _______ Secretary: ________