Legislation, In force, Western Australia
Western Australia: Co-operatives Act 2009 (WA)
An Act to provide a legislative framework for the formation, registration and management of co‑operatives and for related purposes.
Western Australia
Co-operatives Act 2009
Western Australia
Co-operatives Act 2009
Contents
Part 1 — Preliminary
Division 1 — Introductory
1. Short title 2
2. Commencement 2
3. Objects of this Act 2
4. Terms used 3
5A. Corresponding co‑operatives laws 9
5B. Involvement in contraventions 9
Division 2 — Qualified privilege
5. Qualified privilege 10
Division 3 — The co‑operative principles
6. Co‑operative principles 10
7. Interpretation to promote co‑operative principles 12
Division 4 — Application of Corporations Act to co‑operatives
8. Terms used 12
9. Excluded matter 12
10. Applying the Corporations legislation to co‑operatives 14
11. Modifications to applied provisions 15
Part 2 — Formation
Division 1 — Introductory
12. Types of co‑operatives 18
13. Distributing co‑operatives 18
14. Non‑distributing co‑operatives 18
15A. Provisions regarding Registrar's approvals about numbers 19
Division 2 — Formation meeting
15. Formation meeting 20
Division 3 — Approval of disclosure statement and rules
16. Approval of disclosure statement 21
17. Approval of rules 24
Division 4 — Registration of proposed co‑operative
18. Application for registration of proposed co‑operative 25
19. Registration of co‑operative 27
20. Incorporation and certificate of registration 27
Division 5 — Registration of an existing corporation
21. Existing corporation can be registered 28
22. Formation meeting 28
23. Application for registration 29
24. Requirements for registration 30
25. Transitional provision 31
26. Certificate of registration 31
27. Effect of registration 32
Division 6 — Conversion of co‑operative
28. Conversion of co‑operative 32
Division 7 — Reviews
29. Appeal against refusal to approve disclosure statement 33
30. Appeal against refusal to approve draft rules 33
31. Appeal against refusal to register 33
32. Supreme Court's powers on appeal 33
Division 8 — General
33. Acceptance of money by proposed co‑operative 34
34. Issue of duplicate certificate 34
Part 3 — Legal capacity and powers
Division 1 — General powers
35. Effect of incorporation 35
36. Power to form companies and enter into joint ventures 35
Division 2 — Doctrine of ultra vires abolished
37. Interpretation 35
38. Doctrine of ultra vires abolished 36
39. Legal capacity 36
40. Restrictions on co‑operatives in rules 37
Division 3 — Persons having dealings with co‑operatives
41. Assumptions entitled to be made 38
42. Assumptions 38
43. Person who knows or ought to know is not entitled to make assumptions 39
44. Lodgment of documents not to constitute constructive knowledge 40
45. Effect of fraud 40
Division 4 — Authentication and execution of documents and confirmation of contracts
46. Common seal 41
47. Official seal 41
48. Authentication need not be under seal 41
49. Co‑operative may authorise person to execute deed 41
50. Execution under seal 42
51. Contractual formalities 42
52. Other requirements as to consent or sanction not affected 42
Division 5 — Pre‑registration contracts
53. Contracts before registration 43
54. Person may be released from liability but is not entitled to indemnity 44
55. This Division replaces other rights and liabilities 44
Part 4 — Membership
Division 1 — General
56. Becoming a member 45
57. Members of co‑operative group 45
58. Qualification for membership and transitional provision 46
59. Membership may be joint 46
60. Members under 18 years of age 47
61. Representatives of corporations 47
62. Notification of shareholders and shareholdings 47
63. Circumstances in which membership ceases: all co‑operatives 48
64. Additional circumstances in which membership ceases: co‑operatives with share capital 49
65. Carrying on business with too few members 49
Division 2 — Rights and liabilities of members
66. Rights of membership not exercisable until registered etc. 50
67. Liability of members to co‑operative 50
68. Co‑operative to make information available to person intending to become a member 51
69A. False copies of documents 52
69. Entry fees and regular subscriptions 53
70. Members etc. may be required to deal with co‑operative 53
71. Fines payable by members 54
72. Charge and set off of co‑operative 55
73. Repayment of shares on resignation or expulsion 55
Division 3 — Death of member
74. Terms used 57
75. Transfer of share or interest on death of member 57
76. Transfer of small shareholdings and interests on death 58
77. Value of shares and interests 58
78. Co‑operative protected 59
Division 4 — Disputes involving members
79. Grievance procedure 59
80. Application to Supreme Court 59
Division 5 — Oppressive conduct of affairs
81. Interpretation 60
82. Application of Division 60
83. Who may apply for court order 60
84. Orders that Supreme Court may make 61
85. Basis on which Supreme Court makes orders 62
86. Winding‑up need not be ordered if oppressed members prejudiced 63
87. Application of winding‑up provisions 63
88. Changes to rules 63
89. Copy of order to be lodged with Registrar 63
Division 6A — Inspection of books
90A. Order for inspection of books of co‑operative 64
90B. Ancillary orders 65
90C. Disclosure of information acquired in inspection 65
90D. Co‑operative may allow member to inspect books 66
Division 6 — Proceedings on behalf of a co‑operative by members and others
90. Bringing, or intervening in, proceedings on behalf of a co‑operative 66
91. Applying for and granting leave 67
92. Substitution of another person for the person granted leave 67
93. Effect of ratification by members 68
94. Leave to discontinue, compromise or settle proceedings brought, or intervened in, with leave 69
95. General powers of Supreme Court 69
96. Power of Supreme Court to make costs order 70
Part 5 — Rules
97. Effect of rules 71
98. Content of rules 71
99. Purchase and inspection of copy of rules 72
100. False copies of rules 72
101. Model rules 72
102. Rules can only be altered in accordance with this Act 73
103. Approval of certain alterations of rules 73
104. Alteration by special resolution 75
105. Alteration by resolution of board 75
106. Alteration does not take effect until registered 75
107. Appeal against refusal to approve alteration 76
108. Appeal against refusal to register 76
109. Supreme Court's powers on appeal 76
Part 6 — Active membership
Division 1 — Definitions
110. Term used: active membership resolution 77
111. What is active membership 77
112. What are active membership provisions and resolutions 77
Division 2 — Rules to contain active membership provisions
113. Number of primary activities required 78
114. Rules to contain active membership provisions 78
115. Factors and considerations for determining primary activities etc. 78
116. Active membership provisions: distributing co‑operatives 79
117. Regular subscription: active membership of non‑distributing co‑operative 79
Division 3 — Active membership resolutions
118. Notice of meeting 80
119. Eligibility of directors to vote on proposal at board meeting 80
Division 4 — Cancellation of membership of inactive or missing members
120. Cancellation of membership of inactive or missing member 80
121. Share to be forfeited if membership cancelled 81
122. Failure to cancel membership — offence by director 81
123. Deferral of forfeiture by board 82
124. Cancellation of membership prohibited in certain circumstances 82
125. Notice of intention to cancel membership 83
126. Order of Supreme Court against cancellation 83
127. Repayment of amounts due because of cancelled membership 84
128. Interest on deposits, debentures and CCUs 86
129. Repayment of deposits and redemption of debentures and CCUs 87
130. Register of cancelled memberships 88
Division 5 — Entitlements of former members of distributing co‑operatives
131. Application of Division 88
132. Former shareholders to be taken to be shareholders for certain purposes 88
133. Entitlements of former shareholders on mergers etc. 89
134. Set off of amounts repaid etc. on forfeited shares 91
135. Regulations may exempt co‑operatives from provisions 92
Part 7 — Shares
Division 1 — Nature of share
136. Nature of share in co‑operative 93
Division 2 — Disclosure requirements for distributing co‑operatives
137A. Registration of current disclosure statement 93
137B. Restrictions on advertising and publicity: shares 94
137. Disclosure to intending shareholders in distributing co‑operative 95
139. Exemptions for disclosure statements 96
Division 3A — Compensation for defective disclosure
140A. Contravention leading to right to recover loss or damage 97
140B. Right to recover for loss or damage resulting from contravention 97
140C. Due diligence defence 98
140D. General defences 99
Division 3 — Issues of shares
140. Shares — general 100
142. Minimum paid up amount 100
143. Shares not to be issued at a discount 101
144. Issue of shares at a premium 101
145. Joint ownership of shares 101
146. Members may be required to take up additional shares 102
147. Bonus share issues 103
148. Restrictions on bonus shares 103
149. Notice about bonus shares 104
Division 4A — Provisions applying to particular share subscriptions
150A. Term used: disclosure statement 105
150B. Application of this Division 105
150C. Application money to be held on trust 105
150D. Minimum subscription condition must be fulfilled before issue or transfer 106
150E. Repayment of money if disclosure statement condition not met 106
Division 4 — Disclosure and registration of interests in shares
150. Direction to disclose 107
151. Disclosure by member of relevant interests and instructions 108
152. Registration as trustee etc. on death of owner of shares 109
153. Registration as administrator of estate on incapacity of shareholder 109
154. Registration as Official Trustee in Bankruptcy 110
155. Liabilities of person registered as trustee or administrator 110
156. Notice of trusts in register of members 111
157. No notice of trust except as provided by this Division 111
Division 5 — Sale or transfer of shares
158. Sale or transfer of shares 111
159. Transfer on death of member 112
160. Restriction on total shareholding 112
161. Transfer not effective until registered 112
162. Non‑members become members on registration 112
Division 6 — Repurchase of shares
163. Purchase and repayment of shares 112
164. Deposit, debentures or CCUs instead of payment when share repurchased 114
165. Cancellation of shares 115
Part 8 — Voting and meetings
Division 1 — Voting entitlements
166. Application of Part to voting 116
167. Voting 116
168. Voting by proxy 116
169. Control of the right to vote 117
170. Effect of disposal of shares on voting rights 117
171. Effect of relevant share and voting interests on voting rights 117
172. Rights of representatives 118
173. Other rights and duties of members not affected by ineligibility to vote 118
174. Vote of disentitled member to be disregarded 118
Division 2 — Resolutions
175. Decisions to be by ordinary resolution 119
176. Ordinary resolutions 119
177. Special resolutions 119
178. How majority obtained is ascertained 120
179. Declaration of passing of special resolution 120
180. Effect of special resolution 120
181. Lodgment of special resolution 121
182. Decision of Registrar on application to register special resolution 121
Division 3 — Resolution by circulated document
183. Application of Division 3 122
184. Resolution by circulation of document — fewer than 50 members 122
Division 4 — Postal ballots
185. Postal ballots 123
186. Special postal ballots 124
187. When a special postal ballot required 125
188. Holding of postal ballot on requisition 125
189. Expenses involved in postal ballots on requisition 126
Division 5 — Meetings
190. Annual general meetings 127
191. Special general meetings 128
192. Notice of meetings 128
193. Quorum at meetings 128
194. Decision at meetings 128
195. Calling of general meeting on requisition 129
196. Minutes 130
197A. Auditor entitled to notice and other communications 131
197B. Auditor's right to be heard at general meetings 131
197C. Questions and comments by members on co‑operative management at annual general meeting 132
197D. Questions by members of auditors at annual general meeting 132
Part 9 — Management and administration of co‑operatives
Division 1 — The Board
197. Board of directors 134
198. Election of directors 134
199. Qualification of directors 136
201. Meeting of the board of directors 136
202. Transaction of business outside meetings 137
203. Alternate directors 138
204. Delegation by board 138
205. Removal from and vacation of office 138
206A. Removal from office by resolution 139
Division 2A — Disqualification from managing co‑operatives
206B. Offence for disqualified person to manage co‑operative 141
206C. Automatic disqualification for offences 142
206D. Extension of period of automatic disqualification 143
206E. Court's power of disqualification: contravention of civil penalty provision 143
206F. Court's power of disqualification: insolvency and non‑payment of debts 144
206G. Court's power of disqualification: repeated contraventions of law 145
206H. Registrar's power of disqualification 146
206I. Registrar's power to give permission 147
206J. Court's power to grant leave 147
Division 2 — Secretary
206. Secretary 148
207A. Responsibility of secretary 148
Division 3 — Duties and liabilities of directors, officers and employees
207. Care and diligence: civil obligations 149
208. Good faith: civil obligations 150
209. Use of position: civil obligations 150
210. Use of information: civil obligations 151
211. Good faith, use of position and use of information: criminal offences 151
212. Other duties and liabilities not affected 152
213. Application of Corporations Act concerning indemnities and insurance for officers and auditors 153
214. Application of Corporations Act provisions concerning officers of co‑operatives 153
Division 4 — Restrictions on directors and officers
215. Directors' remuneration 154
216. Certain financial accommodation to officers prohibited 154
217. Financial accommodation to directors and associates 155
218. Restriction on directors of certain co‑operatives selling land to co‑operative 157
219. Management contracts 158
Division 5 — Declaration of interests
220. Declaration of interest 158
221. Declarations to be recorded in minutes 160
222. Division does not affect other laws or rules 160
223. Certain interests need not be declared 161
Division 7 — Registers, books and returns
230. Registers to be kept by co‑operatives 161
231. Location of registers 162
232. Inspection of registers etc. 163
233. Use of information on registers 165
234. Notice of appointment etc. of directors and officers 166
236. List of members to be provided at request of Registrar 166
237. Special return to be given at request of Registrar 167
Division 8 — Name and registered office
238. Name to include certain matter 167
239. Use of abbreviations 168
240. Name to appear on business documents etc. 169
241. Change of name of co‑operative 170
242. Restriction on use of word "co‑operative" or similar words 171
243. Registered office of co‑operative 171
Part 10A — Financial reports and audit
Division 1 — Preliminary
244A. Terms used 173
244B. General modifications to applied provisions of the Corporations Act Chapter 2M 174
Division 2 — Financial records
244C. Obligation to keep financial records 174
244D. Language requirements 175
244E. Physical format 175
244F. Place where records are kept 176
244G. Director access 177
Division 3 — Annual financial reports and directors' reports generally
244H. Who has to prepare annual financial reports and directors' reports 177
244I. Small co‑operative: direction by members 178
244J. Small co‑operative: direction by Registrar 179
Division 4 — Annual financial reports
244K. Contents of annual financial report 180
244L. Compliance with accounting standards and regulations 182
244M. True and fair view 182
244N. Audit of financial report 182
244O. Application of Corporations Act to co‑operatives with quoted securities: declaration about financial statements by certain officers 183
Division 5 — Annual directors' reports
244P. Annual directors' report 184
244Q. Annual directors' report: general information 185
244R. Annual directors' report: specific information 186
244S. Application of Corporations Act to co‑operatives with quoted securities: additional information to be provided in annual directors' report 190
Division 6 — Half‑year financial report and directors' report
244T. Application of Corporations Act to co‑operatives that are disclosing entities: half‑year financial reports and directors' reports 191
Division 7 — Audit and auditor's report
244U. Application of Corporations Act: audit and auditor's report 191
Division 8 — Annual financial reporting to members
244V. Annual financial reporting to members 192
244W. Deadline for reporting to members 195
244X. Member's choices for annual financial information 195
244Y. Consideration of reports at annual general meeting 196
244ZA. Application of Corporations Act: additional reporting by debenture issuers 197
Division 9 — Lodging reports and returns with Registrar
244ZB. Lodgment of annual returns with Registrar 197
244ZC. Lodgment of financial reports etc. with Registrar 198
244ZD. Lodgment of half‑year reports with Registrar 198
244ZE. Registrar's power to require lodgment 199
244ZF. Relodgment if financial report or directors' reports amended after lodgment 199
Division 10 — Special provisions about consolidated financial statements
244ZG. Application of Corporations Act: special provisions about consolidated financial statements 200
Division 11 — Financial years and half years
244ZH. Financial year 200
244ZI. Half‑year 201
Division 12 — Auditors
Subdivision 1 — General provisions relating to auditors
244ZJ. Application of Corporations Act: auditors 202
Subdivision 2 — Appointment of auditors
244ZK. Appointment of auditor of small co‑operative 202
244ZL. Initial appointment of auditor of large co‑operative 203
244ZM. Annual appointment at annual general meeting of auditor of large co‑operative to fill vacancy 204
244ZN. Appointment by directors or annual general meeting of auditor of large co‑operative to fill casual vacancy 207
244ZO. Appointment to replace auditor removed from office 207
244ZP. Registrar to be notified of appointment of auditor 208
244ZQ. Registrar may appoint auditor of large co‑operative if auditor removed but not replaced 209
244ZR. Registrar's general power to appoint auditor of large co‑operative 210
244ZS. Restrictions on Registrar's powers to appoint auditor of large co‑operative 210
244ZT. Remaining auditors may act during vacancy 211
244ZU. Nomination of auditor 211
244ZV. Auditor's consent to appointment 212
Subdivision 3 — Removal and resignation of auditors
244ZW. Removal and resignation of auditors 213
244ZX. Effect of winding‑up on office of auditor 216
Subdivision 4 — Auditors' fees and expenses
244ZY. Fees and expenses of auditors 216
Subdivision 5 — Protection of auditors
244ZZA. Protection of auditors 216
Division 13 — Accounting and auditing standards
244ZZB. Accounting and auditing standards 217
244ZZC. Interpretation of accounting and auditing standards 218
Division 14 — Exemptions and modifications
244ZZD. Exemptions: individual co‑operatives 218
244ZZE. Exemptions: classes of co‑operatives 219
244ZZF. Exemptions: criteria for exemptions for individual co‑operatives or classes of co‑operatives 220
244ZZG. Exemptions: non‑auditor members and former members of audit firms, and former employees of audit companies 221
244ZZH. Exemptions: classes of non‑auditor members 222
244ZZI. Exemptions: criteria for exemptions for non‑auditor members etc. 223
244ZZJ. Exemptions from regulations 223
244ZZK. Registrar's power to modify the operation of section 324DA of Corporations Act 224
244ZZL. Auditor to notify co‑operative of declaration 226
244ZZM. Amendment, suspension or revocation of exemption 226
Division 15 — Miscellaneous
244ZZN. Disclosure by directors 227
244ZZO. Contravention by directors of a provision of this Part 227
Part 10 — Funds and property
Division 1 — Power to raise money
244. Meaning of obtaining financial accommodation 228
245. Fund raising to be in accordance with Act and regulations 228
246. Limits on deposit taking 228
247. Members etc. not required to see to application of money 228
248. Registrar's directions about fundraising 229
249. Subordinated debt 229
250. Application of Corporations Act to issues of debentures 230
252. Disclosure statement 231
253A. Restrictions on advertising and publicity 233
253B. Application money to be held on trust 233
253. Approval of board for transfer of debentures 234
254. Application of Corporations Act: reissue of redeemed debentures 234
255. Compulsory loan by member to co‑operative 234
256. Interest payable on compulsory loan 236
Division 2 — Co‑operative capital units
257. General nature of co‑operative capital units 237
258. Priority of CCU's on winding‑up 238
259. Financial accommodation provisions apply to issue of CCUs 238
260. CCUs to be issued to non‑members 238
261. Minimum requirements for rules concerning CCUs 238
262. CCUs not to be issued unless terms of issue approved by Registrar 239
263. Directors' duties concerning CCUs 240
264. Redemption of CCUs 240
265. Capital redemption reserve 241
266. Issue of shares in substitution for redemption 241
Division 3 — Charges
267. Registration of charges 242
Division 4 — Receivers and other controllers of property of co‑operatives
268. Receivers and other controllers of property of co‑operatives 242
Division 5 — Disposal of surplus from activities
269. Retention of surplus for benefit of co‑operative 242
270. Application for charitable purposes or members' purposes 242
271. Distribution of surplus or reserves to members 243
272. Application of surplus to other persons 244
Division 6 — Acquisition and disposal of assets
273. Acquisition and disposal of assets 245
Part 11 — Restrictions on the acquisition of interests in co‑operatives
Division 1 — Restrictions on share and voting interests
274. Application of Part 247
275. Notice required to be given of voting interest 247
276. Notice required to be given of substantial share interest 247
277. Requirements for notices 248
278. Maximum permissible level of share interest 248
279. Transitional provision 249
280. Shares to be forfeited to remedy contravention 249
281. Powers of board in response to suspected contravention 250
282. Powers of Supreme Court in relation to contravention 251
283. Co‑operative to notify Registrar of interest over 20% 251
284. Co‑operative to keep register 252
285. Unlisted companies to provide list of shareholders etc. 252
286. Excess share interest not to affect loan liability 253
287. Extent of operation of Division 253
288. Registrar may grant exemption from Division 253
Division 2 — Restrictions on certain share offers
289. Share offers to which Division applies 254
290. Requirements to be satisfied before offer can be made 255
291. Some offers totally prohibited if they discriminate 255
292. Offers to be submitted to board first 255
293. Announcements of proposed takeovers concerning proposed company 256
294. Additional disclosure requirements for offers involving conversion to company 258
295. Consequences of prohibited offer 258
296. Registrar may grant exemptions 258
Part 12 — Merger, transfer of engagements, winding‑up
Division 1 — Mergers and transfers of engagements
297. Application of Division 260
298. Mergers and transfers of engagements of local co‑operatives 260
299. Requirements before application can be made 260
300. Disclosure statement required 260
301. Making an application 262
302. Approval of merger 262
303. Approval of transfer of engagements 263
304. Transfer of engagements by direction of Registrar 263
Division 2 — Transfer of incorporation
305. Application for transfer 264
306. Requirements before application can be made 265
307. Meaning of new body and transfer 266
308. New body ceases to be registered as co‑operative 266
309. Transfer not to impose greater liability etc. 266
310. Effect of new certificate of registration 267
311. New body must give copy of new certificate of registration or incorporation to Registrar 268
312. New body is a continuation of the co‑operative 268
Division 3 — Winding‑up and deregistration
313. Methods of winding‑up 268
314. Winding‑up on Registrar's certificate 268
315. Method of deregistration 269
316. Application of Corporations Act to winding‑up and deregistration 269
317. Restrictions on voluntary winding‑up 270
318. Start of members' voluntary winding‑up 271
319. Distribution of surplus: non‑distributing co‑operatives 271
320. Liquidator — vacancy may be filled by Registrar 272
321. Review of liquidator's remuneration 272
322. Liability of member to contribute in a winding‑up where shares forfeited etc. 272
Division 4 — Administration
Subdivision 1 — Introductory
323A. Operation of this Division 273
Subdivision 2 — Administration under Corporations Act
323. Application of Corporations Act to administration of co‑operative 274
324A. Appointment of administrator by Registrar in case of insolvency 275
Subdivision 3 — Administration: alternative procedure
324B. Operation of this Division 275
324. Appointment of administrator 276
325. Effect of appointment of administrator 276
326. Revocation of appointment 277
327. Expenses of administration 278
328. Liabilities arising from administration 278
329. Additional powers of Registrar 279
330. Stay of proceedings 280
331. Administrator to report to Registrar 280
Division 6 — Effect of merger etc. on property, liabilities etc.
332. How this Division applies to a merger 280
333. How this Division applies to a transfer of engagements 281
334. How this Division applies to a transfer of incorporation 281
335. Effect of merger etc. on property, liabilities etc. 281
Division 7 — Miscellaneous
336. Grounds for winding‑up, transfer of engagements, appointment of administrator 283
337. Application of Corporations Act for insolvent co‑operatives 284
Part 13 — Arrangements and reconstructions
Division 1 — General requirements
338. Requirements for binding compromise or arrangement 287
339. Supreme Court ordered meeting of creditors 288
340. Registrar to be given notice and opportunity to make submissions 288
341. Results of 2 or more meetings 289
342. Persons disqualified from administering compromise etc. 289
343. Application of Schedule 4 to person appointed 290
344. Application of Corporations Act to person appointed 290
345. Copy of order to be attached to rules 290
346. Directors to arrange for reports 291
347. Power of Supreme Court to restrain further proceedings 291
348. Supreme Court need not approve compromise or arrangement takeovers 292
Division 2 — Explanatory statements
349. Explanatory statement required to accompany notice of meeting etc. 292
350. Requirements for explanatory statement 294
351. Contravention of Division: offence by co‑operative 294
Division 3 — Facilitating reconstructions and mergers
352. Provisions for facilitating reconstructions and mergers 295
Division 4 — Acquisition of shares of dissenting shareholders
353. Terms used 297
354. Schemes and contracts to which Division applies 297
355. Acquisition of shares pursuant to notice to dissenting shareholder 298
356. Restrictions when excluded shares exceed 10% 299
357. Remaining shareholders may require acquisition 299
358. Transfer of shares pursuant to compulsory acquisition 300
359. Disposal of consideration for shares compulsorily acquired 301
Division 5 — Miscellaneous
360. Notification of appointment of scheme manager 302
361. Power of Supreme Court to require reports 302
362. Effect of out‑of‑jurisdiction compromise or arrangement 303
363. Jurisdiction to be exercised in harmony with Corporations Act jurisdiction 303
364. Registrar may appear etc. 303
Part 14 — Participating co‑operatives
Division 1 — Introductory
366. What constitutes carrying on business 304
368. Excluded matter 304
Division 2 — Participating co‑operatives carrying on business in this State
369. Operation of participating co-operatives in this State 306
370. Authorisation to carry on business 306
371. Registration under Companies (Co‑operative) Act 1943 307
372. Existing foreign co‑operatives 307
375. Name of participating co-operative 307
376. When participating co-operative not authorised to carry on business 308
377. Withdrawal of authority to carry on business 308
378. Appeal against Registrar's decision under s. 377(5) 309
379. Application of Act and regulations to participating co‑operatives 310
Division 3 — General
380A. False copies of rules of participating co‑operative 310
380B. False copies of documents of participating co‑operatives 311
380C. Restrictions on advertising and publicity: shares in participating co‑operatives 312
380D. Restrictions on advertising and publicity: debentures or CCUs in participating co‑operatives 313
380E. Registrar's directions about participating co‑operative obtaining financial accommodation 314
380. Name and place of origin to appear on business and other documents of participating co‑operative 315
381. Supply of information to participating Registrars 316
384. Functions conferred on Registrar under corresponding co‑operatives law 316
385A. Registrar may exempt participating co‑operatives 316
Division 4 — Winding‑up of participating co-operatives in this State
385. Winding‑up to relate to State activities 317
386. Supreme Court may order winding‑up 317
387. Application of Corporations Act to winding-up of participating co-operatives 318
388. Outstanding property of participating co-operatives 319
Division 5 — Mergers and transfers of engagements affecting participating co‑operatives
389. Terms used 319
390. Authority for merger or transfer of engagements 320
391. Requirements before application can be made 320
392. Disclosure statement required 321
393. Making an application 322
394. Approval of merger 323
395. Approval of transfer of engagements 324
396. Effect of merger or transfer of engagements 325
397. Division applies instead of certain other provisions of this Act 326
Part 15 — Supervision and protection of co‑operatives
Division 1A — Examining a person about a co‑operative
398A. Application of Corporations Act: court‑directed examinations 328
Division 1 — Supervision and inspection
398. Terms used 328
399. Co-operative includes subsidiaries, participating co-operatives and co-operative ventures 329
400. Appointment of inspectors 329
401. Registrar and investigators have functions of inspectors 329
402. Inspector's identity card 329
403. Production or display of inspector's identity card 330
404. Powers of inspector 330
405. Inspector's appointment conditions 331
406. Entry of place 331
407. Consent to entry 331
408. Inspectors may require certain persons to appear, answer questions and produce documents 333
409. Powers of inspectors on place entered 334
410. Functions of inspectors in relation to relevant documents 334
411. Protection from incrimination 335
412. Warrants 335
413. Warrants: applications made other than in person 336
414. Entry with warrant 338
415. General powers after entering places 338
416. Power to seize evidence 339
417. Receipt for seized things 340
418. Return of seized things 340
419. Power to require name and address 341
420. False or misleading statements 342
421. Power to require production of documents 342
422. False or misleading documents 342
423. Obstruction of inspectors 343
424. Copies or extracts of records to be admitted in evidence 344
425. Privilege 344
Division 2 — Inquiries
426. Terms used 345
427. Appointment of investigators 346
428. Powers of investigators 347
429. Examination of involved person 348
430. Privilege 348
431. Offences by involved person 349
432. Offences relating to documents 350
433. Record of examination 350
434. Report of investigator 351
435. Proceedings following inquiry 352
436. Admission of investigator's report as evidence 353
437. Costs of inquiry 353
Division 3 — Prevention of fraud etc.
438. Falsification of books 354
439. Fraud or misappropriation 355
440. Offering or paying commission 356
441. Accepting commission 356
442. False statements in loan application etc. 356
Division 4 — Miscellaneous powers of the Registrar
443. Application for special meeting or inquiry 357
444. Holding of special meeting 357
445. Expenses of special meeting or inquiry 358
446. Power to hold special inquiry into co‑operative 358
447. Special meeting following inquiry 358
448. Information and evidence 359
449. Extension or abridgment of time 359
450. Power of Registrar to intervene in proceedings 359
Part 16 — Administration of this Act
Division 1 — The Registrar
451. Registrar of Co‑operatives 361
452. Deputy Registrar and other staff 361
453. Delegation by Registrar 362
454. Registers to be kept by Registrar 362
455. Keeping of registers 363
456. Disposal of records by Registrar 363
457. Inspection of registers 364
458. Approvals by Registrar 365
459. Lodgment of documents 365
460. Way of lodging 365
461. Power of Registrar to refuse to register or reject documents 366
Division 2 — Protection from liability
462. Particular persons protected from liability 366
Division 3 — Evidence
463. Certificate of registration 367
464. Certificate evidence 367
465. Records kept by co‑operatives 368
466. Minutes 368
467. Official certificates 369
468. The Registrar and proceedings 369
469. Rules 369
470. Registers 369
Part 17 — Legal proceedings and other matters
Division 1 — Offences, enforcement and remedies
475. Notice to be given of conviction for offence 370
476. Secrecy 370
477. False or misleading statements 373
478. Further offence for continuing failure to do required act 374
479. Civil remedies 374
480A. Order against person concerned with co‑operative 375
480. Injunctions 376
481A. Undertakings 378
481B. Offence of contravention of undertaking 379
481C. Enforcement order on application with consent of person giving undertaking 379
481D. Enforcement orders after contravention of undertaking 379
481E. Copy of undertaking 381
481F. Registration of undertakings 381
481G. Double jeopardy 382
481H. Time limit for starting proceedings for offence 382
481I. Authorisation to start proceedings for offence 383
481. Proceedings for recovery of fine or penalty imposed by rules 383
Division 2 — Civil consequences of contravening civil penalty provisions
482A. Terms used 383
482B. Declarations of contravention 383
482C. Declaration of contravention is conclusive evidence 385
482D. Pecuniary penalty orders 385
482E. Compensation orders 385
482F. Who may apply for a declaration or order 386
482G. Time limit for application for a declaration or order 387
482H. Civil evidence and procedural rules for declarations and civil penalty orders 387
482I. Civil proceedings after criminal proceedings 387
482J. Criminal proceedings during civil proceedings 387
482K. Criminal proceedings after civil proceedings 388
482L. Evidence given in proceedings for penalty not admissible in criminal proceedings 388
482M. Relief from liability for contravention of civil penalty provision 389
Division 3 — Miscellaneous
482N. Power to grant relief 391
482O. Irregularities 392
482P. Civil proceedings not to be stayed 395
482Q. Standard of proof 395
Part 18 — General
482. Co‑operative ceasing to exist 397
483. Service of documents on co‑operative 397
484. Service on member of co‑operative 398
485. Reciprocal arrangements 399
486. Translations of documents 400
487. Disclosure statements 400
488. Approval of forms 400
489A. Approvals to be in writing 401
489. Regulation making power 401
490. Companies (Co‑operative) Act 1943 repealed 401
491. Co‑operative and Provident Societies Act 1903 repealed 401
Part 19 — Transitional and savings provisions
Division 1 — Preliminary
492. Terms used 402
493. Interpretation Act 1984 not affected 402
494. Transitional regulations 402
Division 2 — Prohibition on registration under former Act
495. Prohibition on registration under Companies (Co‑operative) Act 1943 or Co‑operative and Provident Societies Act 1903 403
Division 3 — Transfer to incorporation under this Act
496. Co‑operative companies and registered societies to register under this Act 404
497. Decision of Registrar to register co‑operative company or registered society 405
Division 4 — General transitional provisions
498. Special resolutions, applications to the Court and court orders 406
499. Inspections or inquiry 406
500. Acquisition of shares of shareholders dissenting from scheme or contract approved by majority 407
501. Transitional provisions about active members 408
Division 5 — Pending incorporation, reconstruction or winding‑up
502. Pending incorporation 408
503. Pending reconstruction 408
504. Pending wind‑up 409
Schedule 1 — Matters for which rules must make provision
1. Requirements for all co‑operatives 410
2. Additional matters: co‑operatives with share capital 411
3. Additional matters: non‑distributing co‑operatives 412
Schedule 2 — Relevant interests, associates, related bodies
Division 1 — Relevant interests
1. Terminology used in this Schedule 414
2. Basic rules: relevant interests 414
3. Control of corporation having power in relation to a share 414
4. Control of 20% of voting power in corporation having power in relation to a share 415
5. Deemed relevant interest in advance of performance of agreement that will give rise to a relevant interest 415
6. Control of corporation having a relevant interest by virtue of clause 5 416
7. Matters not affecting application of Division 416
8. Corporation may have a relevant interest in its own shares 417
9. Exclusions: money lenders 417
10. Exclusions: certain trustees 417
11. Exclusions: instructions to securities dealer to dispose of share 418
12. Exclusions: honorary proxies 418
13. Exclusions: holders of prescribed offices 418
14. Prescribed exclusions 418
15. Effect of Schedule 418
16. Relevant interest: corporation other than co‑operative 419
Division 2 — Associates
17. Effect of Part 419
18. Associates of a corporation 419
19. Matters relating to voting rights 419
20. General 420
21. Exclusions 421
Division 3 — Related corporations
22. Related corporations 421
Schedule 3 — Registration etc. of charges
Division 1 — Preliminary
1. Terms used 422
2. Application to charges referred to in clause 17 423
3. Lodgment of documents 423
Division 2A — Schedule ceases to have effect except as otherwise provided
4A. Terms used 423
4B. Effect of Schedule at and after registration commencement time 424
4C. Refusal to exercise registration functions 424
4D. Priority between registrable charges 425
Division 2 — Registration
Subdivision 1 — Charges
4. Charges to which the Schedule applies 425
5. Excluded charges 426
6. Personal chattels 426
7. Book debts 427
8. Crops or stock 427
9. Deposit of documents of title 427
10. Charges on land or fixtures on land 428
11. Where other property is also charged 428
12. Effect of failure to lodge or give notice or document 428
Subdivision 2 — Notice of charge
13. Lodgment of notice of charge and copy of instrument, and transitional provision 428
14. Series of debentures 430
15. Operation of priority provisions in respect of issue of debentures 430
16. Discounts 430
17. Acquisition of property subject to charge 431
Subdivision 3 — Registration
18. Register of Co‑operative Charges 432
19. Registration of documents relating to charge 432
20. Provisional registration if stamp duty not paid 433
21. Provisional registration if required particulars not supplied 434
22. Effect of provisional registration 435
23. If 2 or more charges relate to the same property 436
24. Registration of assignment or variation of charge 436
25. Standard time for the purposes of this Subdivision 436
Subdivision 4 — Certain charges void against liquidator or administrator
26. Terms used 437
27. Certain charges void against liquidator or administrator 437
28. Certain varied charges void against liquidator or administrator 438
29. Supreme Court may extend required period 439
30. Certain later charges void 440
31. Effect of provisions on purchaser in good faith 440
Subdivision 5 — Certain charges in favour of persons void
32. Terms used 441
33. Charges in favour of certain persons void in certain cases 441
34. Supreme Court may give leave for enforcement of charge 442
35. Certain transactions excluded 442
Subdivision 6 — Assignment, variation or satisfaction of charges
36. Assignment and variation of charges 443
37. Satisfaction of, and release of property from, charges 444
Subdivision 7 — General
38. Lodgment of notices 445
39. Lodgment offences 445
40. Co‑operative to keep documents relating to charges 445
41. Co‑operative to keep register, and transitional provision 446
42. Certificates 447
43. Power of Supreme Court to rectify register of charges 448
44. Registrar may exempt from compliance with certain requirements of Division 448
Division 3 — Order of priority
Subdivision 1 — General
45. Terms used 449
46. Priorities of charges 450
Subdivision 2 — Priority rules
47. General priority rules in relation to registered charges 451
48. General priority rule in relation to unregistered charges 452
49. Special priority rules 452
Schedule 4 — Receivers, and other controllers, of property of co‑operatives
1. Terms used 455
2. Application of Schedule 456
3. Persons not to act as receivers 456
4. Supreme Court may declare whether controller is validly acting 457
5. Liability of controller 458
6. Liability of controller under pre‑existing agreement about property used by co‑operative 459
7. Powers of receiver 460
8. Controller's duty of care in exercising power of sale 462
9. Supreme Court may authorise managing controller to dispose of property despite prior charge 462
10. Receiver's power to carry on co‑operative's business during winding‑up 464
11. Controller's duties in relation to financial institution accounts and financial records 465
12. Managing controller to report within 2 months about co‑operative's affairs 465
13. Reports by receiver 466
14. Supervision of controller 467
15. Controller may apply to Supreme Court 469
16. Power of Supreme Court to fix receiver's remuneration 469
17. Controller has qualified privilege in certain cases 470
18. Notification of matters relating to controller 470
19. Statement that receiver appointed or other controller acting 471
20. Officers to report to controller about co‑operative's affairs 472
21. Controller may require reports 474
22. Controller may inspect books 475
23. Lodging controller's accounts 475
24. Payment of certain debts, out of property subject to floating charge, in priority to claims under charge 477
25. Enforcement of controller's duty to make returns 479
26. Supreme Court may remove controller for misconduct 480
27. Supreme Court may remove redundant controller 480
28. Effect of clauses 26 and 27 481
Schedule 6 — Modifications to Corporations Act
Division 1 — Modifications to Corporations Act provisions applying under section 316
1A. Modifications to winding‑up and deregistration provisions: co‑operatives 482
Division 2 — Modifications to Corporations Act provisions applying under section 387
1. Modifications to winding‑up provisions: participating co‑operatives 484
Notes
Compilation table 487
Defined terms
Western Australia
Co-operatives Act 2009
An Act to provide a legislative framework for the formation, registration and management of co‑operatives and for related purposes.
Part 1 — Preliminary
Division 1 — Introductory
1. Short title
This is the Co-operatives Act 2009.
2. Commencement
This Act comes into operation as follows —
(a) sections 1 and 2 — on the day after assent day;
(b) the rest of the Act, other than sections 490 and 491, and Part 20 Divisions 1 and 3 — on a day fixed by proclamation;
(c) sections 490 and 491, and Part 20 Division 3 — on the last day of the period of 2 years after the day fixed under paragraph (b);
(d) Part 20 Division 1 — on the day that Co‑operative Bulk Handling Limited becomes registered under this Act.
3. Objects of this Act
The objects of this Act are to —
(a) enable the formation, registration and operation of co‑operatives; and
(b) promote co‑operative philosophy, principles, practices and objectives; and
(c) protect the interests of co‑operatives, their members and the public in the operations and activities of co‑operatives; and
(d) ensure that the directors of co‑operatives are accountable for their actions and decisions to the members of co‑operatives; and
(e) encourage and facilitate self‑management by co‑operatives at all levels; and
(f) encourage the development, integration and strengthening of co‑operatives at local, regional, national and international levels by supporting and fostering State and national peak organisations and co‑operative instrumentalities.
4. Terms used
(1) In this Act —
active member has the meaning given to that term in section 111;
active membership provision has the meaning given to that term in section 112;
agreement means an agreement, arrangement or understanding —
(a) whether formal or informal or partly formal and partly informal; and
(b) whether written or oral or partly written and partly oral; and
(c) whether or not having legal or equitable force and whether or not based on legal or equitable rights;
alter, in relation to the rules of a co‑operative, includes to add to, substitute or rescind;
associate has the meaning given to that term in Schedule 2 Division 2;
board means the board of directors of a co‑operative and in circumstances where a person or committee is exercising a power of the board delegated under the rules of a co‑operative, includes that person or committee;
books includes —
(a) a register; and
(b) minutes; and
(c) any other record of information; and
(d) financial reports or financial records, however compiled, recorded or stored; and
(e) a document;
carry on business, in relation to a co‑operative or a participating co‑operative, has the same meaning as it has in the Corporations Act Part 1.2 Division 3 in relation to a company;
CCU means a co‑operative capital unit as defined in section 257(1);
chief executive officer, of a co‑operative or a subsidiary of a co‑operative, means the principal executive officer of the co‑operative or subsidiary for the time being, by whatever name called, and whether or not that officer is a director or the secretary;
constitution, of a co‑operative, includes the articles of association, memorandum, rules and other constituent documents;
co‑operative means a body registered under this Act as a co‑operative;
co‑operative group means a co‑operative that has a membership as described in section 57;
corporation has the meaning given to that term in the Corporations Act;
Corporations Act means the Commonwealth Corporations Act 2001;
corresponding co‑operatives law means a law of another jurisdiction declared under section 5A to be a corresponding co‑operatives law;
debenture means a document issued by a co‑operative that evidences or acknowledges indebtedness of the co‑operative in respect of money that is or may be deposited with or lent to the co‑operative, whether constituting a charge on property of the co‑operative or not, and includes a unit of a debenture, except that it does not include —
(a) a cheque, order for the payment of money or bill of exchange; or
(b) a promissory note having a face value of not less than $50 000; or
(c) any other document of a class that is prescribed by the regulations as exempt from this definition;
deed of arrangement means a deed of company arrangement in force under the Corporations Act Part 5.3A as that Part applies under this Act or a deed of that type as varied and in force from time to time;
department means the department of the Public Service principally assisting the Minister in the administration of this Act;
deposit taking co‑operative means a co‑operative that is permitted under section 246 to accept money on deposit;
director, of a co‑operative, includes —
(a) a person who occupies or acts in the position of a director or member of the board of a co‑operative, whether or not the person is called a director and whether or not the person is validly appointed or properly authorised to act in the position; and
(b) a person under whose directions or instructions the directors or members of the board of directors of the co‑operative are accustomed to act;
distributing co‑operative means a co‑operative as described in section 13;
eligible member means a person considered by the board of a co‑operative to be eligible to become a member of that co‑operative;
financial records includes —
(a) invoices, receipts, orders for the payment of money, bills of exchange, cheques, promissory notes and vouchers;
(b) documents of prime entry;
(c) working papers and other documents needed to explain —
(i) the methods by which financial statements are made up; and
(ii) adjustments to be made in preparing financial statements;
financial report means an annual financial report or a half‑year financial report prepared under the Corporations Act Chapter 2M;
financial services business has the meaning given to that term in the Corporations Act section 761A;
financial services licensee has the meaning given to that term in the Corporations Act section 761A;
financial statements means annual financial statements under the Corporations Act section 295 or half‑year financial statements applying under the Corporations Act section 303;
financial year has the meaning given in section 244ZH;
half‑year has the meaning given in section 244ZI;
inspector means a person appointed as an inspector under Part 15;
involved, in a contravention, has the meaning given in section 5B;
jurisdiction means a State or Territory;
large co‑operative means a co‑operative that is not a small co‑operative;
model rules means the model rules prescribed by the regulations under section 101;
mortgage includes lien, charge or other security over property;
non‑distributing co‑operative means a co‑operative as described in section 14;
officer, of a co‑operative or participating co‑operative, means —
(a) a director or secretary of the co‑operative; or
(b) a person —
(i) who makes, or participates in making, decisions that affect the whole, or a substantial part, of the business of the co‑operative; or
(ii) who has the capacity to affect significantly the co‑operative's financial standing; or
(iii) in accordance with whose instructions or wishes the directors of the co‑operative are accustomed to act (excluding advice given by the person in the proper performance of functions attaching to the person's professional capacity or their business relationship with the directors or the co‑operative);
or
(c) a receiver, or receiver and manager, of property of the co‑operative; or
(d) an administrator of the co‑operative; or
(e) an administrator of a deed of arrangement executed by the co‑operative; or
(f) a liquidator of the co‑operative; or
(g) a trustee or other person administering a compromise or arrangement made between the co‑operative and someone else;
participating co‑operative means a body that is registered and incorporated under, and is subject to, a corresponding co‑operatives law;
participating jurisdiction means a jurisdiction in which a corresponding co‑operatives law is in force;
participating Registrar means a person exercising the functions of a Registrar under a corresponding co‑operatives law;
primary activity, of a co‑operative, means an activity stated in the rules of the co‑operative to be a primary activity of the co‑operative;
quoted security means a security that is quoted on a prescribed financial market (as defined in the Corporations Act section 9);
Registrar means the Registrar of Co‑operatives under section 451;
related corporation has the meaning given to that term in Schedule 2 Division 3;
relevant interest in —
(a) a right to vote has the meaning given to that term in Schedule 2 Division 1 clause 2(1); and
(b) a share has the meaning given to that term in Schedule 2 Division 1 clause 2(2);
rules, of a co‑operative, means the rules of the co‑operative for the time being applying under this Act;
seal, of a co‑operative, means the common seal or official seal of the co‑operative;
share means share in the share capital of a co‑operative;
small co‑operative means a co‑operative of a class or description prescribed by the regulations;
subsidiary has the meaning given to that term in the Corporations Act;
surplus, in relation to a co‑operative, means the excess of income over expenditure after making proper allowance for taxation expense, for depreciation in value of the property of the co‑operative and for future contingencies;
transfer day, for a particular transferred co‑operative, means the day on which that co‑operative became registered under this Act;
transferred co‑operative means a co‑operative that immediately before the commencement of this Act was registered as a co‑operative company under the Companies (Co‑operative) Act 1943 or as a registered society under the Co‑operative and Provident Societies Act 1903.
(2) A reference in this Act to the Corporations Act or a provision of the Corporations Act applying under this Act (or a part of this Act) is a reference to that Act or provision to the extent that it is declared to apply to a matter for the purposes of the Corporations (Ancillary Provisions) Act 2001 Part 3 as a law of this State.
[Section 4 amended: No. 7 of 2016 s. 4; No. 9 of 2022 s. 424.]
5A. Corresponding co‑operatives laws
The regulations may declare a law of another jurisdiction that substantially corresponds to this Act to be a corresponding co‑operatives law for the purposes of this Act.
[Section 5A inserted: No. 7 of 2016 s. 5.]
5B. Involvement in contraventions
For the purposes of this Act, a person is involved in a contravention if, and only if, the person —
(a) has aided, abetted, counselled or procured the contravention; or
(b) has induced, whether by threats or promises or otherwise, the contravention; or
(c) has been in any way, by act or omission, directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in, or party to, the contravention; or
(d) has conspired with others to effect the contravention.
[Section 5B inserted: No. 7 of 2016 s. 5.]
Division 2 — Qualified privilege
5. Qualified privilege
(1) If this Act provides that a person has qualified privilege for an act, matter or thing, the person, in relation to the act, matter or thing —
(a) has qualified privilege in proceedings for defamation; and
(b) is not, in the absence of malice on the person's part, liable to an action for defamation at the suit of a person.
(2) In subsection (1) —
malice includes ill‑will to the person concerned or any other improper motive.
(3) Neither this section nor a provision of this Act that provides as mentioned in subsection (1) limits or affects any right, privilege or immunity that a person has, apart from this section or such a provision, as a defendant in proceedings, or an action, for defamation.
Division 3 — The co‑operative principles
6. Co‑operative principles
The co‑operative principles are the principles set out in the following Table.
Table of co‑operative principles
Principle
1. Voluntary and open membership
A co‑operative is a voluntary organisation, open to all persons able to use its services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
2. Democratic member control
A co‑operative is a democratic organisation controlled by its members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Members serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In co‑operatives other than co‑operative groups members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote). Co‑operative groups are organised in a democratic manner.
Member economic participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co‑operative. Usually, at least part of that capital is the common property of the co‑operative. Usually, members receive limited compensation, if any, for capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members of a co‑operative allocate surplus to be used for any or all of the purposes of —
3. (a) developing the co‑operative, possibly by setting up reserves, at least part of which are indivisible; and
(b) benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co‑operative; and
(c) supporting other activities approved by the membership.
4. Autonomy and independence
A co‑operative is an autonomous, self‑help organisation controlled by its members. If a co‑operative enters into agreements with other organisations, including governments, or raises capital from external sources, it does so on terms that ensure democratic control by its members and maintain its autonomy.
5. Education, training and information
A co‑operative provides education and training for its members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of the co‑operative. A co‑operative informs the general public, particularly young people and opinion leaders, about the nature and benefits of co‑operatives.
6. Co‑operation among co‑operatives
Co‑operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co‑operative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
7. Concern for the community
Co‑operatives, while focusing on member needs, work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.
7. Interpretation to promote co‑operative principles
In the interpretation of a provision of this Act, a construction that would promote co‑operative principles is to be preferred to a construction that would not promote co‑operative principles.
Division 4 — Application of Corporations Act to co‑operatives
8. Terms used
In this Division —
company has the meaning given to that term in the Corporations Act section 9;
Corporations legislation means the Corporations legislation to which the Corporations Act Part 1.1A applies;
excluded Corporations legislation provision means any provision of the Corporations legislation that does not apply to co‑operatives as a law of the Commonwealth.
9. Excluded matter
(1) A co‑operative is declared to be an excluded matter for the purposes of the Corporations Act section 5F in relation to the whole of the Corporations legislation other than to the extent specified in subsection (2).
(2) Subsection (1) does not exclude the application of the following provisions of the Corporations legislation to co‑operatives to the extent that the provisions would otherwise be applicable to them —
(a) provisions relating to a matter that the regulations provide is not to be excluded from the operation of the Corporations legislation;
(b) provisions relating to the role of a co‑operative in the formation of a company;
(c) provisions relating to the registration of a co‑operative as a company under the Corporations Act Chapter 5B;
(d) provisions relating to substantial shareholdings, by or involving a co‑operative, in a company;
(e) provisions conferring or imposing functions on a co‑operative as a member, or former member, of a corporation;
(f) provisions relating to dealings by a co‑operative in financial products of a corporation, other than financial products of the co‑operative itself;
(g) provisions conferring or imposing functions on a co‑operative in its dealings with a corporation, not being dealings in financial products of the co‑operative;
(h) provisions relating to financial products of a co‑operative, other than shares in, CCUs in, debentures of or deposits with a co‑operative;
(i) provisions relating to financial markets and participants in financial markets;
(j) provisions relating to financial services licensees whose licence covers dealing in, or providing advice about, financial products;
(k) provisions relating to carrying on a financial services business;
(l) provisions relating to financial statements, and audits of financial statements, of financial services licensees whose licence covers dealing in, or providing advice about, financial products;
(m) provisions relating to clients of financial services licensees whose licence covers dealing in, or providing advice about, financial products;
(n) provisions relating to registers of interests in financial products.
(3) To remove doubt it is declared that subsection (1) does not operate to exclude the operation of the following provisions of the Corporations Act, except in relation to shares in, CCUs in, debentures of, or deposits with, a co‑operative —
(a) Part 1.2A;
(b) Chapter 2L;
(c) Chapter 6CA;
(d) Chapter 6D;
(e) Part 7.10.
(4) If a co‑operative is directed by an order of the Supreme Court under section 84(i) to become registered as a company under the Corporations Act, the provisions referred to in subsection (2)(c) apply to the extent necessary for the co‑operative to be registered as a company under Chapter 5B of that Act.
[Section 9 amended: No. 7 of 2016 s. 198.]
10. Applying the Corporations legislation to co‑operatives
(1) The regulations may declare a matter relating to co‑operatives or participating co‑operatives to be an applied Corporations legislation matter for the purposes of the Corporations (Ancillary Provisions) Act 2001 Part 3 in relation to any excluded Corporations legislation provision or provisions, with any modifications that are specified in the declaration.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), any such regulations may —
(a) specify modifications to the definitions and other interpretative provisions of the Corporations legislation relevant to any excluded Corporations legislation provision that is the subject of the declaration; and
(b) provide for ASIC to exercise a function under any excluded Corporations legislation provision that is the subject of the declaration, but only if —
(i) ASIC is to exercise the function under an agreement referred to in section 11(8) or (9A)(b) of the new ASIC Act; and
(ii) ASIC is authorised to exercise that function under section 11 of the new ASIC Act;
and
(c) specify that a reference to ASIC in an excluded Corporations legislation provision that is the subject of the declaration is to be a reference to another person; and
(d) identify an excluded Corporations legislation provision to which the declaration relates by reference to the provision as in force at a particular time; and
(e) specify a court (other than the Supreme Court) to exercise a function conferred on a court or the Court by an excluded Corporations legislation provision to which the declaration relates.
(3) Words and expressions used in this section and also in the Corporations (Ancillary Provisions) Act 2001 Part 3 have the same meanings in this section as they have in that Part.
[Section 10 amended: No. 7 of 2016 s. 6.]
11. Modifications to applied provisions
(1) If a provision of this Act or the regulations declares a matter to be an applied Corporations legislation matter for the purposes of the Corporations (Ancillary Provisions) Act 2001 Part 3 (the declaratory provision) in relation to any provisions of the Corporations legislation (the applied provisions), the declaratory provision is taken to specify the following modifications —
(aa) a reference in the applied provisions to a corporation, company or public company is to be read as a reference to a co‑operative;
(ab) a reference in the applied provisions to ASIC is to be read as a reference to the Registrar;
(a) a reference in the applied provisions to articles or a memorandum of association or a constitution or replaceable rules is to be read as a reference to rules;
(b) a cross‑reference in the applied provisions to another provision of the Corporations Act is, if that cross‑reference is not appropriate (because for example the provision cross‑referred to is not among the applied provisions), to be read as a cross‑reference to the equivalent provision of this Act;
(c) a reference in the applied provisions to the Gazette is to be read as a reference to the Western Australian Government Gazette;
(d) a reference in the applied provisions to the Commonwealth is to be read as a reference to this State;
(ea) a reference in the applied provisions to a special resolution is to be read as a reference to a special resolution referred to in section 177 of this Act;
(eb) a reference in the applied provisions to shareholders is to be read as a reference to members;
(ec) a reference in the applied provisions (including the Corporations Act section 311) to "a contravention of this Act" is to be read as in
