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Trust Democracy Incorporated is submitting to the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Select Committee on the Bill to replace the Incorporated Societies Act 1908. The submission, prepared by Dave Henderson, highlights concerns and recommendations for the new Bill. Key points include:

Request to be heard by the Committee to present and clarify points made in the submission
Recommendations to:
+ Put on hold blanket reporting requirements for Societies until a more targeted approach can be developed
+ Amend Clause 9(e) to recognize impracticable requirements for small organizations
+ Require 5 members for registration, consistent with the Charitable Trusts Act
+ Add provisions for sub-committees and conflict of interest requirements
+ Simplify conflict of interest requirements for small societies
+ Set fees in a scale that takes into account affordability for small volunteer groups and clubs
+ Exempt Incorporated societies in Tier 4 from reporting according to the XRB standard
+ Establish a specialist appeal authority, the Charities, Trusts and Societies Review Authority
+ Extend the time for lodging an appeal from 28 days to 3 months
+ Circulate draft regulations as an Exposure Draft and seek feedback
+ Amend clause 168(1)(e) by deleting certain words

The submission also discusses the potential shift from a benign to an active regulation approach, which may alter the relationship between incorporated societies and government, and expresses concern about the implications of this shift.