New grievance and remuneration disclosure requirements for Queensland incorporated associations

The rules for associations incorporated in Queensland will be changing from 1 July 2024.

Requirement to have a grievance procedure
Incorporated associations will need to either follow the grievance procedure in rules 12A to 12F of the new Model Rules or set out a custom grievance procedure in their rules that accords with section 47A of the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 (QLD).

AGM remuneration and benefits disclosure
During AGMs from 1 July onwards, incorporated associations (including charities registered with the ACNC) must disclosure all remuneration and other benefits given to their management committees, senior staff and their relatives. Incorporated associations may choose to disclose only the total amount given to all key people and relatives rather than the amount given to each person, however the number of people who have received benefits must also be disclosed. There is a positive duty to make such a disclosure, even if no remuneration or benefits have been given.

Getting ready for the changes
Queensland incorporated associations must take steps to ensure they are compliant with the new requirements. To get ready for the changes, incorporated associations can:

• make a decision whether to follow the grievance procedure in the new Model Rules or whether to develop a custom grievance procedure;
• consider whether changes need to be made to the association’s rules to incorporate the new grievance procedure;
• keep detailed and appropriate remuneration and benefits records for management committee members, senior staff and relatives; and
• review the incorporated association’s related party transactions policy and any policies on remuneration, conflicts of interest, grievances and complaints.

For further information on the changes, you can visit the Queensland regulator’s website here.

This publication was authored by Brooke Arcia and is ©For Purpose Advisory. It is for general guidance only and any opinions expressed are the opinions of the author. The content and any links are current as at the date it was published and For Purpose Advisory takes no responsibility for any changes to the links or accuracy of the content. Legal advice should be sought before taking action in relation to any specific issues mentioned in this publication.