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Co-operatives Regulations 2008

Legislation · Victoria · 2020
i Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 TABLE OF PROVISIONS Regulation Page PART 1—PRELIMINARY 1 1 Objectives 1 2 Authorising provision 2 3 Revocation 2 4 Definition 2 5 Documents exempted from definition of debenture 2 PART 2—RULES 4 6 Maximum fine that may be imposed on a member 4 PART 3—ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP 5 7 Factors and considerations for determining primary activities 5 8 Register of cancelled memberships 6 PART 4—SHARES AND VOTING 7 9 Notice in respect of bonus shares—prescribed persons 7 10 Postal ballots 7 PART 5—MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF CO-OPERATIVES 8 11 Prescribed authorities 8 12 Registers to be kept by co-operatives 8 13 Inspection of registers etc. 9 14 Notice of appointment etc. of directors and officers 10 15 Annual report 11 16 Advertising change of name of co-operative 12 PART 6—FUNDS AND PROPERTY 13 17 Restrictions on deposit taking 13 18 Compulsory loan by member to co-operative—prescribed term 14 19 Limited dividend 15 -- 1 of 72 -- Regulation Page ii PART 7—RESTRICTIONS ON THE ACQUISITION OF INTERESTS IN CO-OPERATIVES 16 20 Notice of relevant interest in a member's right to vote 16 21 Notice of substantial share interest 16 22 Notice of change in substantial share interest 18 23 Notice of cessation of substantial share interest 20 PART 8—MERGER, TRANSFER OF ENGAGEMENTS AND WINDING UP 22 24 Application for registration or incorporation under another law 22 25 Security to be given by liquidator 22 PART 9—ARRANGEMENTS AND RECONSTRUCTIONS 23 26 Explanatory statements 23 27 Compulsory acquisition notice 23 28 Notice to remaining shareholders 23 PART 10—SUPERVISION AND PROTECTION OF CO-OPERATIVES 24 29 Notice to appear, answer questions and produce documents 24 30 Investigator's notice to involved person 24 31 Examination of involved person—allowance and expenses 24 PART 11—REGISTER 26 32 Inspection of Register 26 PART 12—INFRINGEMENTS 28 33 Infringement penalties 28 PART 13—THE SCHEDULES TO THE ACT 29 34 Minimum number of shares to be subscribed for 29 35 Charges required to be registered 29 36 Inspection of register of charges 30 37 Copies of register of charges 30 PART 14—FEES 31 38 Application or submission for approval of disclosure statement 31 39 Submission for approval of proposed rules 31 40 Issue of duplicate certificate 31 41 Application for Registrar's certificate 31 42 Application for registration of proposed co-operative 31 43 Application for Registrar's consent or permission 32 -- 2 of 72 -- Regulation Page iii 44 Copies of documents and entries in the Register 32 45 Submission for approval of alteration of rules 32 46 Application for certificate of registration of rule alteration 32 47 Application for exemption 33 48 Application for direction 33 49 Application for review of entitlement to vote 33 50 Lodgment of special resolution 33 51 Applications for approval 33 52 Lodgment of annual report 34 53 Fees for inspecting registers 34 54 Applications for extension or abridgement of time 34 55 Submission for approval of terms of issue 34 56 Waiver of fees 34 57 Expiry 35 __________________ SCHEDULES 36 SCHEDULE 1—Particulars to be Included in Registers 36 1 Register of members, directors and shares 36 2 Register of loans to, securities given by, debentures issued by and deposits received by a co-operative 37 3 Register of names of persons who have given loans or deposits to or hold securities or debentures given or issued by a co-operative 39 4 Register of loans made by or guaranteed by a co-operative and of any securities taken by a co-operative 40 5 Register of memberships cancelled under Part 6 of the Act 42 6 Register of fixed assets 43 7 Register of subordinated debt 44 8 Register of CCUs 44 SCHEDULE 2—Postal Ballots 46 1 Ballots 46 2 Returning officers 46 3 Preparation of the voting roll and the ballot papers 46 4 Duplicate ballot papers 47 5 Voting 48 6 Safe keeping of ballot papers 48 7 Counting of the votes 48 8 Statement by returning officer 50 9 Notification of the result of the ballot 50 10 Retention of ballot papers 51 Form 1—Postal Ballot 52 Form 2—Member Details 53 -- 3 of 72 -- Regulation Page iv SCHEDULE 3—Prescribed Information for Explanatory Statements 54 1 Definitions 54 2 Prescribed information relating to proposed compromise or arrangement with creditors or class of creditors 54 3 Prescribed information relating to proposed compromise or arrangement with members or a class of members 56 SCHEDULE 4—Compulsory Acquisition Notice 60 SCHEDULE 5—Notice to Remaining Shareholder 62 SCHEDULE 6—Notice Requiring Production of Documents or Appearance to Answer Questions 64 SCHEDULE 7—Notice to Produce Documents, Give Assistance or to Appear for Examination at Inquiry 65 SCHEDULE 8—Prescribed Infringement Penalties 66 ═══════════════ ENDNOTES 68 -- 4 of 72 -- 1 STATUTORY RULES 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 Co-operatives Act 1996 Co-operatives Regulations 2008 The Governor in Council makes the following Regulations: Dated: 11 November 2008 Responsible Minister: TONY ROBINSON Minister for Consumer Affairs RYAN HEATH Clerk of the Executive Council PART 1—PRELIMINARY 1 Objectives The objectives of these Regulations are— (a) to specify matters relating to the operation, management and administration of co-operatives; (b) to prescribe certain forms and procedures relating to co-operatives, and the particulars to be included in forms; (c) to specify the content of registers required to be kept by co-operatives; (d) to prescribe fees and infringements for the purposes of the Co-operatives Act 1996; (e) to prescribe other matters that are required or necessary to give effect to the Co-operatives Act 1996. -- 5 of 72 -- Part 1—Preliminary Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 2 2 Authorising provision These Regulations are made under section 463 of the Co-operatives Act 1996. 3 Revocation The following Regulations are revoked— (a) the Co-operatives (Fees) Regulations 2003 1 ; and (b) the Co-operatives (Infringement Penalties Amendment) Regulations 2007 2 . 4 Definition In these Regulations the Act means the Co-operatives Act 1996. 5 Documents exempted from definition of debenture For the purposes of section 4 of the Act, the following classes of documents are exempt from the definition of debenture— (a) a passbook or other document— (i) that contains all or some of the terms and conditions pursuant to which deposits are accepted by, or withdrawn from, a co-operative; and (ii) that acknowledges the receipt of a deposit with a co-operative; and (iii) that enables further deposits to be made at any time adding to the balance of an existing deposit; and (iv) that enables the withdrawal of the whole or part of the balance of a deposit, whether at call or on the giving of a fixed period of notice; and (v) that acknowledges the amount of the withdrawal and the balance remaining; r. 2 -- 6 of 72 -- Part 1—Preliminary Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 3 (b) a document acknowledging a debt incurred by a co-operative— (i) in the ordinary course of carrying on so much of a business as neither comprises, nor forms part of, a business of borrowing money and providing finance; and (ii) in respect of money that is or may be deposited with or lent to the co-operative by a person in the ordinary course of a business carried on by the co-operative; (c) a document that is issued by a company and that constitutes evidence of a debt owed by the company to a co-operative that is a holding company (within the meaning of the Corporations Act) of the company; (d) a document that is issued by a co-operative and that constitutes evidence of a debt owed by the co-operative to a body corporate that is a subsidiary of the co-operative. __________________ r. 5 -- 7 of 72 -- Part 2—Rules Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 4 PART 2—RULES 6 Maximum fine that may be imposed on a member For the purposes of section 107(7) of the Act, the maximum fine that may be fixed by the rules of a co-operative is— (a) in the case of a trading co-operative— 10 penalty units; (b) in the case of a non-trading co-operative— 1 penalty unit. __________________ r. 6 -- 8 of 72 -- Part 3—Active Membership Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 5 PART 3—ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP 7 Factors and considerations for determining primary activities (1) For the purposes of section 124(2)(c) of the Act, the following factors and considerations are relevant in determining under section 124(1)(a) of the Act which of the activities of the co-operative are its primary activities— (a) in the case of a co-operative whose activities include the provision of a taxi radio network facility, whether the co-operative actually carries out that activity; (b) in the case of a co-operative whose activities include the disposal of produce or livestock on behalf of its members, whether the co-operative actually carries out that activity; (c) in the case of a co-operative whose activities include the acquisition of particular goods or services for its members, whether the co-operative actually carries out that activity. (2) For the purposes of section 124(3) of the Act, the following matters may be taken into account in determining whether an activity makes a significant contribution to the business of the co-operative— (a) if the activity contributes at least 10 per cent of the co-operative's— (i) turnover; or (ii) income; or (iii) expenses; or (iv) surplus; or (v) business; or r. 7 -- 9 of 72 -- Part 3—Active Membership Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 6 (b) if the failure by the co-operative to conduct that activity would result in a reduction of 10 per cent or more in the business conducted by the co-operative. 8 Register of cancelled memberships For the purposes of section 141 of the Act, a register of cancelled memberships must specify the particulars set out in clause 5 of Schedule 1. __________________ r. 8 -- 10 of 72 -- Part 4—Shares and Voting Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 7 PART 4—SHARES AND VOTING 9 Notice in respect of bonus shares—prescribed persons For the purposes of section 158(c) of the Act, a prescribed person is— (a) in relation to the valuation of land, a person who carries on the business of valuing land; and (b) in relation to the valuation of any other kind of assets, a person who carries on the business of valuing assets of that kind. 10 Postal ballots For the purposes of section 199 of the Act, a postal ballot must be conducted in accordance with Schedule 2. __________________ r.9 -- 11 of 72 -- Part 5—Management and Administration of Co-operatives Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 8 PART 5—MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF CO-OPERATIVES 11 Prescribed authorities For the purposes of section 214(3) of the Act, each of the following authorities is a prescribed authority— (a) the Governor of the prison in Victoria in which the person was detained in custody on the date of release; (b) the Commissioner of Corrective Services in New South Wales; (c) the general manager of the prison in Queensland in which the person was detained in custody on the date of release; (d) the Executive Director of the Prisons Division of the Department of Justice of Western Australia; (e) the Executive Director of the Prisons Division of the Department of Justice of South Australia; (f) the Director of Prisons in Tasmania; (g) the Director of Correctional Services of the Northern Territory. 12 Registers to be kept by co-operatives (1) The registers that a co-operative is required to keep under section 244 of the Act must— (a) be kept in written or electronic form; and (b) contain the particulars specified in Schedule 1. r. 11 -- 12 of 72 -- Part 5—Management and Administration of Co-operatives Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 9 (2) A register may include— (a) any document in the English language in which the required particulars are recorded; and (b) any disc, tape, soundtrack or other device in which the required particulars are recorded, so long as they are capable (with or without the aid of some other equipment) of being reproduced in a document in the English language. (3) For the purposes of section 244(1)(g) of the Act, a co-operative must keep— (a) a register of fixed assets containing the particulars specified in clause 6 of Schedule 1; and (b) a register of subordinated debt containing the particulars specified in clause 7 of Schedule 1. 13 Inspection of registers etc. (1) For the purposes of section 246(1)(g) of the Act, the following registers are to be open for inspection— (a) the register of loans made by or guaranteed by the co-operative, and of any securities taken by the co-operative, required to be kept under section 244(1)(d) of the Act; and (b) the register of memberships cancelled under Part 6 of the Act required to be kept under section 244(1)(e) of the Act; and (c) the register of subordinated debt required to be kept under regulation 12(3)(b); and (d) the register of notifiable interests required to be kept under section 285 of the Act. r. 13 -- 13 of 72 -- Part 5—Management and Administration of Co-operatives Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 10 (2) For the purposes of section 246(7) of the Act, the following documents are prescribed— (a) a copy of the Act and these regulations; (b) a copy of the rules of the co-operative; (c) a copy of the last annual report of the co-operative under section 249 of the Act. 14 Notice of appointment etc. of directors and officers For the purposes of section 248(2)(c) of the Act, the prescribed particulars are— (a) the name of the co-operative or subsidiary; and (b) the name and position of the person giving notice of the appointment or cessation of appointment; and (c) in respect of any person being appointed to act as a director, principal executive officer or secretary— (i) full name (family and given names); and (ii) any former names; and (iii) address; and (iv) date and place of birth; and (v) office held and date appointed; and (d) in respect of any person ceasing to hold that office— (i) full name; and (ii) date and place of birth; and (iii) office held and date appointment ceased. r. 14 -- 14 of 72 -- Part 5—Management and Administration of Co-operatives Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 11 15 Annual report For the purposes of section 249(1)(e) of the Act, the prescribed particulars are— (a) the name of the co-operative; and (b) the address of the registered office of the co-operative; and (c) the name, address and position of the person sending the annual report to the Registrar; and (d) the date of the report; and (e) the number of persons employed by the co-operative— (i) full-time; and (ii) part-time; as at the end of the previous financial year; and (f) the number of persons who performed voluntary services for the co-operative during the financial year; and (g) the number of members in the co-operative; and (h) the number of shares forfeited under Part 6 of the Act during the previous financial year; and (i) the number of memberships cancelled under Part 6 of the Act during the previous financial year. r. 15 -- 15 of 72 -- Part 5—Management and Administration of Co-operatives Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 12 16 Advertising change of name of co-operative For the purposes of section 255(2) of the Act, the prescribed manner of advertising the change of name of a co-operative is for the co-operative to cause the change of name to be advertised in at least one newspaper circulating in the locality or localities in which the co-operative carries on business within 28 days after the change of name has been registered by the Registrar. __________________ r. 16 -- 16 of 72 -- Part 6—Funds and Property Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 13 PART 6—FUNDS AND PROPERTY 17 Restrictions on deposit taking (1) This regulation applies to a co-operative that is a deposit-taking co-operative. (2) A deposit-taking co-operative must not accept money on deposit from persons other than its members and employees. (3) Subregulation (2) does not apply to a person who had a deposit or deposits with a deposit-taking co-operative prior to 1 October 1997 for as long as the person continues to be a depositor with that co-operative. (4) A deposit-taking co-operative must provide a depositor with a copy of a current disclosure statement prior to the first deposit made by the depositor and, thereafter, at least once in each period of 12 months. (5) A current disclosure statement is a disclosure statement that— (a) has been submitted to and registered by the Registrar; and (b) has not, within 23 days after the date on which it was submitted to the Registrar, been the subject of a direction by the Registrar under section 261 of the Act; and (c) complies with any direction given by the Registrar; and (d) complies with any conditions imposed by the Registrar under subregulation (7); and (e) is not more than 12 months old. r. 17 -- 17 of 72 -- Part 6—Funds and Property Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 14 (6) A disclosure statement that is submitted to the Registrar under subregulation (5) must contain— (a) a statement of the assets and liabilities of the co-operative; and (b) a statement of the financial position of the co-operative; and (c) a profit and loss statement for the co-operative; and (d) such other information as the Registrar directs. (7) The Registrar may register a disclosure statement submitted under this regulation with or without conditions. (8) The Registrar may require a deposit-taking co-operative to give to a depositor, within such time as the Registrar may determine, a document of a kind referred to in subregulation (6)(a). (9) This regulation does not apply to the acceptance by a co-operative of a deposit of money in connection with the issue by the co-operative of debentures. (10) This regulation does not apply to the acceptance by a co-operative of a deposit of money in connection with goods or services to be supplied by the co-operative in the ordinary course of business. 18 Compulsory loan by member to co-operative— prescribed term For the purposes of section 267(2) of the Act, the prescribed term is 10 years. r. 18 -- 18 of 72 -- Part 6—Funds and Property Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 15 19 Limited dividend For the purposes of section 273(3) of the Act, the prescribed amount is 20 cents per dollar invested in the shares of the co-operative. __________________ r. 19 -- 19 of 72 -- Part 7—Restrictions on the Acquisition of Interests in Co-operatives Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 16 PART 7—RESTRICTIONS ON THE ACQUISITION OF INTERESTS IN CO-OPERATIVES 20 Notice of relevant interest in a member's right to vote For the purposes of section 279 of the Act, the prescribed particulars to be specified when giving notice of having or ceasing to have a relevant interest in the right to vote of a member of a co-operative are as follows— (a) the name of the co-operative to whom notice is being given; (b) the full name and address of the person giving notice; (c) the date on which the relevant interest was acquired or ceased; (d) the name of the member whose right to vote was so affected; (e) the date of giving notice. 21 Notice of substantial share interest For the purposes of section 279 of the Act, the prescribed particulars to be specified when giving notice of a substantial share interest are as follows— (a) the name of the co-operative to whom notice is being given; (b) the full name and address of the person giving notice; (c) the date on which the substantial share interest was acquired; r. 20 -- 20 of 72 -- Part 7—Restrictions on the Acquisition of Interests in Co-operatives Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 17 (d) in respect of each holder of a substantial share interest— (i) the name and address of the holder; (ii) the number and description of the shares in which each substantial share interest is held; (iii) the name and address of each person registered as the holder of the shares in which the substantial share interest is held; (iv) the name and address of each person entitled to become registered as the holder of the shares in which the substantial share interest is held; (v) the date of each acquisition of a substantial share interest within the previous 12 months and the number of shares acquired at that date (if any); (vi) the valuable consideration for each acquisition in the previous 12 months, including the nature of any part that did not consist of money; (vii) the total number of shares in which the holder has a substantial interest; (e) particulars of any contract, scheme, arrangement or other circumstance by reason of which the holder of the substantial share interest acquired the substantial share interest (not including interests acquired more than 12 months previously) where the holder has, throughout the period of 12 months immediately preceding the date of the notice, been the registered shareholder of those shares; r. 21 -- 21 of 72 -- Part 7—Restrictions on the Acquisition of Interests in Co-operatives Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 18 (f) particulars of the nature of the substantial share interest; (g) particulars of any qualification of the power of a person to exercise, control the exercise of, or influence the exercise of, the voting powers of the relevant shares; (h) particulars of any additional benefit that any person from whom a substantial share interest was acquired has, or may, become entitled to receive, whether on the happening of a contingency or not, in relation to that acquisition, other than the valuable consideration referred to in paragraph (d) above; (i) the date on which notice is given. 22 Notice of change in substantial share interest For the purposes of section 279 of the Act, the prescribed particulars to be specified when giving notice of a change in a substantial share interest are as follows— (a) the name of the co-operative to whom notice is being given; (b) the full name and address of the person giving notice; (c) the following particulars applicable before the change— (i) the name and address of the holder of the substantial share interest; (ii) the number and description of the shares in which the substantial share interest was held; (iii) the name and address of the person registered as the holder of the shares; r. 22 -- 22 of 72 -- Part 7—Restrictions on the Acquisition of Interests in Co-operatives Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 19 (iv) the name and address of the person entitled to become registered as the holder of the shares; (v) the total number of shares in which the holder of the substantial share interest held the substantial share interest; (d) the following particulars relating to the change— (i) the date of the change in the substantial share interest; (ii) particulars of the valuable consideration given in relation to the change, including the nature of that part (if any) that did not consist of money; (iii) particulars of any contract, scheme, arrangement or other circumstance by reason of which the change in the substantial share interest occurred; (iv) particulars of any qualification of the power of a person to exercise, control the exercise of, or influence the exercise of, the voting powers of those shares in which the substantial share interest in which the change occurred is held; (v) particulars of any additional benefit that a person has, or may, become entitled to receive, whether upon the happening of a contingency or not, as a consequence of a change in a substantial share interest; r. 22 -- 23 of 72 -- Part 7—Restrictions on the Acquisition of Interests in Co-operatives Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 20 (e) the following particulars applicable after the change— (i) the name and address of the holder of the substantial share interest; (ii) the number and description of the shares in which the substantial share interest is held; (iii) the name and address of the person entitled to become registered as the holder of the shares; (f) the date on which notice is given. 23 Notice of cessation of substantial share interest For the purposes of section 279 of the Act, the prescribed particulars to be specified when giving notice of a cessation of a substantial share interest in a co-operative are as follows— (a) the name of the co-operative to whom notice is being given; (b) the name and address of the person giving notice; (c) the name and address of the person ceasing to have a substantial share interest in the co-operative; (d) the date on which the person ceased to have a substantial share interest in the co-operative; (e) details of any agreement or other circumstances because of which the person ceased to hold a substantial share interest in the co-operative; (f) in relation to each change in a substantial share interest of the person since the person was last required to give notice of such a change to the co-operative— r. 23 -- 24 of 72 -- Part 7—Restrictions on the Acquisition of Interests in Co-operatives Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 21 (i) the date of the change; (ii) the nature of the change; (iii) the consideration given in relation to the change; (iv) the class and number of shares affected by the change; (g) the date on which notice is given. __________________ r. 23 -- 25 of 72 -- Part 8—Merger, Transfer of Engagements and Winding Up Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 22 PART 8—MERGER, TRANSFER OF ENGAGEMENTS AND WINDING UP 24 Application for registration or incorporation under another law For the purposes of section 306(g) of the Act, the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 of the Commonwealth is a prescribed law. 25 Security to be given by liquidator For the purposes of section 315(6) of the Act, the security a liquidator must give is $50 000 in the form of— (a) cash; or (b) a cheque drawn on an ADI; or (c) a certificate of deposit issued by an ADI; or (d) a debenture or security that is guaranteed by the Government of a State or Territory or by the Government of the Commonwealth; or (e) a surety issued by an ADI or a body corporate authorised to carry on insurance business under the Insurance Act 1973 of the Commonwealth. __________________ r. 24 -- 26 of 72 -- Part 9—Arrangements and Reconstructions Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 23 PART 9—ARRANGEMENTS AND RECONSTRUCTIONS 26 Explanatory statements For the purposes of sections 341(2)(b)(i) and 349(3)(b)(i) of the Act, the prescribed information which must be included in a draft explanatory statement or explanatory statement (as the case may be) is set out in Schedule 3. 27 Compulsory acquisition notice For the purposes of section 355 of the Act, a compulsory acquisition notice must be in the form of Schedule 4. 28 Notice to remaining shareholders For the purposes of section 357(1)(a) of the Act, a notice to a remaining shareholder must be in the form of Schedule 5. __________________ r. 26 -- 27 of 72 -- Part 10—Supervision and Protection of Co-operatives Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 24 PART 10—SUPERVISION AND PROTECTION OF CO-OPERATIVES 29 Notice to appear, answer questions and produce documents For the purposes of section 393 of the Act, a notice must be in the form of Schedule 6. 30 Investigator's notice to involved person For the purposes of section 405 of the Act, a notice must be in the form set out in Schedule 7. 31 Examination of involved person—allowance and expenses For the purposes of section 406(4) of the Act, the prescribed expenses to which an involved person is entitled are— (a) for persons ordinarily receiving wages, salary, remuneration or fees, for each hour, or part of an hour, of attendance, the amount of wages, salary, remuneration or fees actually lost because of the person's attendance, but not exceeding $217 per day; (b) in any other case, the actual expenditure incurred (other than expenses under paragraphs (c) and (d)), but not exceeding $59 for any one day; (c) for travelling expenses to and from a person's usual place of residence or business and the place of attendance— (i) the amount actually paid; or (ii) an amount calculated at 18 cents per kilometre travelled— whichever is the lesser; r. 29 -- 28 of 72 -- Part 10—Supervision and Protection of Co-operatives Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 25 (d) for accommodation and meals, if a person is required to be absent over night from the person's usual place of residence— (i) the amount actually paid; or (ii) an amount not exceeding $150 for any one night— whichever is the lesser. __________________ r. 31 -- 29 of 72 -- Part 11—Register Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 26 PART 11—REGISTER 32 Inspection of Register For the purposes of section 435(1)(b) of the Act, the following are prescribed documents— (a) documents lodged with or otherwise held by the Registrar under sections 18 or 112 of the Act; (b) documents lodged with the Registrar under section 197 of the Act; (c) documents lodged with the Registrar under section 248 of the Act; (d) documents lodged with the Registrar under section 249 of the Act; (e) documents lodged with the Registrar under section 256(3) of the Act; (f) copies of certificates of registration issued by the Registrar under section 21 or 26 of the Act; (g) disclosure statements submitted to the Registrar under section 17, 155, 200, 264, 267, 301 or 387D of the Act or regulation 17; (h) disclosure documents lodged with the Registrar under Part 6D.2 of the Corporations Act (as applied by section 263 of the Act); (i) documents lodged with the Registrar under Part 5.3A of the Corporations Act (as applied by section 323 of the Act); (j) notices lodged with the Registrar under section 371 of the Act and documents lodged with the Registrar under section 381 of the Act; r. 32 -- 30 of 72 -- Part 11—Register Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 27 (k) documents evidencing exemptions granted by the Registrar under section 147, 239, 263, 275, 289, 297, 301, 307, 317 or 387D of the Act, or under clause 44 of Schedule 3 to the Act; (l) documents evidencing consent or permission given by the Registrar under section 77, 300, 341, 387C or 460 of the Act; (m) documents lodged with the Registrar under Schedule 3 to the Act that create or evidence a charge, or the complete or partial satisfaction of a charge; (n) documents lodged with the Registrar under clause 18 of Schedule 4 to the Act; (o) documents lodged with the Registrar under clause 23 of Schedule 4 to the Act. __________________ r. 32 -- 31 of 72 -- Part 12—Infringements Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 28 PART 12—INFRINGEMENTS 33 Infringement penalties (1) For the purposes of section 456B(2) of the Act, the prescribed infringement penalty for an offence against a provision specified in Column 2 of Schedule 8 is the amount specified in Column 4 of Schedule 8 in respect of that provision. (2) A description of an offence in Column 3 of Schedule 8 is not to be taken to affect— (a) the nature or elements of the offence to which the description refers; or (b) the operation of these Regulations. __________________ r. 33 -- 32 of 72 -- Part 13—The Schedules to the Act Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 29 PART 13—THE SCHEDULES TO THE ACT 34 Minimum number of shares to be subscribed for For the purposes of item 9 of clause 2 of Schedule 1 to the Act, the rules of a co-operative with a share capital must make provision for— (a) the minimum number of shares to which a member of the co-operative must subscribe; and (b) the manner in which the minimum number may be determined, which may be by reference to the use made by the member of the co-operative. 35 Charges required to be registered For the purposes of clause 8 of Schedule 3 to the Act, each of the following laws is a prescribed law of a State or Territory— (a) Part 2 (Agricultural goods mortgages) of the Security Interests in Goods Act 2005 of New South Wales; (b) Parts 7 and 8 of the Instruments Act 1958 of Victoria; (c) Part 2 (to the extent to which it relates to the registration of stock mortgages, liens on crops and liens on wool) and Part 4 of the Bills of Sale and Other Instruments Act 1955 of Queensland; (d) Liens on Crops of Sugar Cane Act 1931 of Queensland; (e) sections 7 and 8 and Parts 9, 10 and 11 of the Bills of Sale Act 1899 of Western Australia; (f) Liens on Fruit Act 1923 of South Australia; r. 34 -- 33 of 72 -- Part 13—The Schedules to the Act Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 30 (g) Stock Mortgages and Wool Liens Act 1924 of South Australia; (h) section 36 of the Bills of Sale Act 1900 of Tasmania; (i) Stock, Wool, and Crop Mortgages Act 1930 of Tasmania; (j) Parts 4 and 5 of the Instruments Act 1933 of the Australian Capital Territory; (k) Instruments Act of the Northern Territory. 36 Inspection of register of charges For the purposes of clause 41(3)(b) of Schedule 3 to the Act, the prescribed amount is $10. 37 Copies of register of charges For the purposes of clause 41(5)(a) of Schedule 3 to the Act, the prescribed amount is $1 per page, to a maximum of $20. __________________ r. 36 -- 34 of 72 -- Part 14—Fees Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 31 PART 14—FEES 38 Application or submission for approval of disclosure statement An application or submission to the Registrar for the approval of a disclosure statement under section 17, 155, 200, 264, 267, 301(2) or 387D of the Act must be accompanied by a fee of 25 fee units. 39 Submission for approval of proposed rules A submission to the Registrar for the approval of proposed rules under section 18 of the Act must— (a) if the proposed rules adopt the model rules, be accompanied by a fee of 12⋅5 fee units; or (b) if the proposed rules contain any alteration from the model rules, be accompanied by a fee of 15 fee units. 40 Issue of duplicate certificate The prescribed fee for the purposes of section 35 of the Act is 4 fee units. 41 Application for Registrar's certificate An application to the Registrar for a certificate under section 66(2) of the Act must be accompanied by a fee of 4 fee units. 42 Application for registration of proposed co-operative The prescribed fee for the purposes of section 19 and section 24 of the Act is 12⋅5 fee units. r. 38 -- 35 of 72 -- Part 14—Fees Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 32 43 Application for Registrar's consent or permission An application to the Registrar for his or her consent or permission under section 77(2), 300(2), 341(1), 387C or 460(2) of the Act must be accompanied by a fee of 7⋅5 fee units. 44 Copies of documents and entries in the Register (1) The prescribed fee for the purposes of section 435(1)(c) of the Act is 2 fee units for the first page and $3 for each page after the first page up to a maximum fee of 7⋅5 fee units. (2) The prescribed fees for the purposes of sections 108(3) and 435(1)(d) of the Act are— (a) 1 fee unit for the first page and $2 for each page after the first page up to a maximum fee of 5 fee units; or (b) 1⋅5 fee units for each document if the document is provided electronically. (3) The prescribed fees under subregulation (2) are the maximum fees payable for the purposes of section 246(5) of the Act. 45 Submission for approval of alteration of rules A submission to the Registrar for approval of a proposed alteration of the rules of a co-operative under section 112 of the Act must be accompanied by a fee of 1⋅5 fee units per rule up to a maximum of 15 fee units. 46 Application for certificate of registration of rule alteration An application to the Registrar for a certificate of an alteration of the rules of a co-operative under section 115(4) of the Act must be accompanied by a fee of 4 fee units. r. 43 -- 36 of 72 -- Part 14—Fees Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 33 47 Application for exemption An application to the Registrar for an exemption under section 147, 239, 263(4), 275, 289, 297, 301(4), 307(3), 317(2) or 387D(4) of the Act or clause 44 of Schedule 3 to the Act must be accompanied by a fee of 25 fee units. 48 Application for direction An application to the Registrar for a direction under section 343(1)(f) of the Act or clause 3(1)(f) of Schedule 4 to the Act must be accompanied by a fee of 25 fee units. 49 Application for review of entitlement to vote An application to the Registrar for a review under section 186(2) of the Act must be accompanied by a fee of 25 fee units. 50 Lodgment of special resolution The prescribed fee for the purposes of section 197 of the Act is 5 fee units. 51 Applications for approval (1) An application to the Registrar for his or her approval under section 253(e) of the Act must be accompanied by a fee of 4 fee units. (2) An application to the Registrar for his or her approval under section 280(5), section 291, section 302, or section 387E of the Act must be accompanied by a fee of 25 fee units. (3) An application to the Registrar for his or her approval under section 350(1) of the Act must be accompanied by a fee of 50 fee units. r. 47 -- 37 of 72 -- Part 14—Fees Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 34 52 Lodgment of annual report An annual report lodged with the Registrar under section 249 of the Act must be accompanied by a fee of 4 fee units. 53 Fees for inspecting registers (1) The maximum fee that can be charged by a co-operative for an inspection of a register of notifiable interests under section 285(3)(b) of the Act is 4 fee units. (2) The prescribed fee for the purposes of section 435(1)(a) or section 435(1)(b) of the Act or clause 12(3)(b) of Schedule 4 to the Act is 1⋅2 fee units. 54 Applications for extension or abridgement of time (1) An application to the Registrar under section 293(5) of the Act or clause 20(3)(c) of Schedule 3 to the Act for an extension of time must be accompanied by a fee of 5 fee units. (2) An application to the Registrar under section 426 of the Act for an extension or abridgment of time must be accompanied by a fee of 5 fee units. 55 Submission for approval of terms of issue A submission to the Registrar for approval of terms of issue of CCUs under section 268F(1) of the Act must be accompanied by a fee of 25 fee units. 56 Waiver of fees The Registrar may waive, reduce or refund any fee payable under the Act or the Regulations by— (a) a co-operative that, in the opinion of the Registrar, is constituted primarily for a charitable purpose; or r. 52 -- 38 of 72 -- Part 14—Fees Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 35 (b) a co-operative that, in the opinion of the Registrar, is constituted primarily for the purpose of advancing the welfare of a class of disadvantaged persons— if, in the opinion of the Registrar, there are special circumstances that justify payment being waived, reduced or refunded. 57 Expiry These Regulations expire on 28 September 2012. __________________ r. 57 -- 39 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 36 SCHEDULES SCHEDULE 1 Regulations 8 and 12 PARTICULARS TO BE INCLUDED IN REGISTERS 1 Register of members, directors and shares (1) The register of members, directors and shares of a co-operative must contain the following particulars for each member— (a) the name and address of each member; (b) the date on which each member was admitted to the co-operative; (c) if the co-operative has share capital, a statement in respect of each member by whom shares are held of— (i) the number of shares held beneficially and non-beneficially; and (ii) the identifying number of each share held (if applicable); and (iii) the date on which the shares were allotted; and (iv) the amount paid or agreed to be considered as having been paid on the shares; (d) if applicable, the date of and circumstances under which the member's membership ceased; (e) if shares are purchased under section 176(1) of the Act, a statement of the number of shares purchased and the date on which the shares were purchased; Sch. 1 -- 40 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 37 (f) if shares are forfeited under section 281 of the Act, a statement of the number of shares forfeited and the date on which forfeiture was effected; (g) if there is a conversion to a co-operative without share capital, the date of the repayment of the share capital or the date of disposal and the name and address of the person or body to whom the share capital was repaid. (2) The register of members, directors and shares of a co-operative must contain the following particulars for each director— (a) the name, any former names, date and place of birth, and address of each director; (b) the date the director was elected or appointed; (c) whether the director is a non-member director; (d) the date of termination of office (if applicable); (e) the mode of termination of office (if applicable). 2 Register of loans to, securities given by, debentures issued by and deposits received by a co-operative (1) The register of loans to, securities given by, debentures issued by and deposits received by a co-operative is required to contain the following particulars for each loan— (a) the name of the person by whom the loan is made; (b) the amount of the loan; (c) the date on which the loan was received by the co-operative; Sch. 1 -- 41 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 38 (d) a reference identifying the account created for the loan; (e) the date of each payment made in relation to the loan and the amount of each payment so made; (f) if the loan is secured by way of mortgage of real property, the address and particulars of title of the property and a reference identifying the mortgage agreement; (g) if the loan is secured otherwise than by way of a mortgage of real property, particulars of the security given and a reference identifying the agreement that evidences that security; (h) the location of the documents relating to the security given in respect of the loan; (i) particulars of any movement of those documents from that location; (j) the date of the final repayment made in relation to the loan. (2) The register of loans to, securities given by, debentures issued by and deposits received by a co-operative must contain the following particulars for each debenture issued— (a) the name and address of each person to whom a debenture is payable; (b) the number and series of the debenture; (c) the date of its issue; (d) the amount of the debenture; (e) the rate of interest; (f) the dates of payment of principal; (g) the place of payment; (h) the name of the trustee (if applicable); Sch. 1 -- 42 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 39 (i) the name, address and occupation of any transferor; (j) the date of any transfer; (k) the redemption value. (3) The register of loans to, securities given by, debentures issued by and deposits received by a co-operative must contain the following particulars for each deposit received by the co-operative— (a) the name and address of the depositor; (b) the date of receipt; (c) the amount deposited; (d) the rate of interest (if any); (e) the amount repaid; (f) the date of conversion to shares or debentures (if applicable); (g) the due date for repayment; (h) the balance. 3 Register of names of persons who have given loans or deposits to or hold securities or debentures given or issued by a co-operative The register of names of persons who have given loans or deposits to or hold securities or debentures given or issued by a co-operative must contain the following particulars for each person— (a) the full name and any former names of the person; (b) the address of the person; Sch. 1 -- 43 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 40 (c) whether the person— (i) has given a loan or deposit to the co-operative; or (ii) holds securities given by the co-operative; or (iii) holds debentures issued by the co-operative; (d) a reference to the relevant entry in the register of loans to, securities given by, debentures issued by and deposits received by the co-operative. 4 Register of loans made by or guaranteed by a co-operative and of any securities taken by a co-operative (1) The register of loans made by or guaranteed by a co-operative and of any securities taken by a co-operative must contain the following details for each loan made— (a) the name of each person to whom a loan is made; (b) the amount of the loan; (c) the date on which the loan was approved; (d) a reference identifying the account created for the loan; (e) the date of each advance made in relation to the loan and the amount of each advance so made; (f) if the loan is secured by way of mortgage of real property, the address and particulars of title of the property and a reference identifying the mortgage agreement; Sch. 1 -- 44 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 41 (g) if the loan is secured otherwise than by way of a mortgage of real property, particulars of the security taken and a reference identifying the agreement that evidences that security; (h) the location of the documents relating to the security taken in respect of the loan; (i) particulars of any movement of those documents from that location; (j) the date of the final repayment made in relation to the loan. (2) The register of loans made by or guaranteed by a co-operative and of any securities taken by a co-operative must contain the following particulars for each loan guaranteed by the co-operative— (a) the name of the member; (b) the name of the lender; (c) the amount of the loan; (d) the date of the guarantee; (e) if the loan is secured by way of mortgage of real property, the address and particulars of title of the property, and a reference identifying the mortgage agreement; (f) if the loan is secured otherwise than by way of a mortgage of real property, particulars of the security taken and a reference identifying the agreement that evidences that security; (g) the location of the documents relating to the security taken in respect of the loan; (h) particulars of any movement of those documents from that location; (i) the due date for repayment. Sch. 1 -- 45 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 42 5 Register of memberships cancelled under Part 6 of the Act (1) The register of memberships cancelled under Part 6 of the Act must contain the following particulars for each member whose membership is cancelled— (a) the name of the member; (b) if the whereabouts of the member are known— (i) the date of the member's last active dealing with the co-operative; and (ii) the date of giving the required notice to the member; (c) the date of the board's resolution cancelling membership. (2) The register of memberships cancelled under Part 6 of the Act must, if the co-operative has a share capital, contain the following additional particulars for each member whose membership is cancelled— (a) the amount subscribed in respect of the shares forfeited; (b) if the whereabouts of the member are unknown— (i) the date when the required period of the member's whereabouts being unknown commenced; and (ii) if the amount required to be repaid to the member in respect of the cancelled membership exceeds $50, the date of publication of the required notice in a newspaper and the name of the newspaper; Sch. 1 -- 46 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 43 (c) the date of the board's resolution forfeiting the shares; (d) if the date fixed by the board resolution for repayment of the amount paid up on shares is within 12 months of forfeiture— (i) the date of repayment; or (ii) the date and nature of the application of the amount under section 138(2) of the Act; (e) if the amount due is to be transferred to a debenture or deposit account— (i) the date of repayment; and (ii) the date of transfer to such an account. 6 Register of fixed assets The register of fixed assets of a co-operative must contain the following particulars in respect of each fixed asset— (a) a short description of the fixed asset; (b) the method of financing any fixed asset that is leased; (c) the physical location of the asset; (d) the date of its purchase or installation; (e) the manner in which depreciation is calculated; (f) the annual percentage at which depreciation is calculated; (g) the annual amount of depreciation or amortisation; (h) the total amount of depreciation or amortisation; (i) the revaluation increment; Sch. 1 -- 47 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 44 (j) the sale price; (k) the date sold. 7 Register of subordinated debt The register of subordinated debt must contain for each subordinated debt incurred— (a) the name and address of the person to whom the debt is owed; (b) the amount of the debt; (c) the date on which the debt was incurred; (d) a reference identifying the account created for the debt; (e) the date of each payment made in relation to the debt and the amount of each payment made; (f) the date of the final repayment made in relation to the debt. 8 Register of CCUs The register of CCUs issued by a co-operative must contain the following particulars for each CCU— (a) the date of the resolution approving the terms of issue; (b) the name, address and occupation of the holder; (c) the number and series of the CCU; (d) the face value of the CCU; (e) the rate of interest and the nature of the interest (whether cumulative or non- cumulative); (f) the date of payment of interest; Sch. 1 -- 48 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 45 (g) the ranking of priority of payment of capital and interest on winding up of the co-operative; (h) the entitlement (if any) to surplus assets and profits on a winding up of the co-operative; (i) if transferred, the name, address and occupation of the transferee; (j) the redemption value (if known); (k) the date and manner of redemption. __________________ Sch. 1 -- 49 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 46 SCHEDULE 2 Regulation 10 POSTAL BALLOTS 1 Ballots (1) The board must— (a) cause the details of the proposal upon which the ballot is to be held to be set out in a statement; and (b) fix the dates for— (i) the forwarding of ballots to members; and (ii) the closing of the ballot; and (c) appoint a returning officer for the ballot. (2) Every ballot must be conducted by the returning officer appointed by the board. 2 Returning officers (1) A director of the co-operative may not be appointed as a returning officer. (2) The returning officer may be assisted in the performance of his or her duties by any person (who would be eligible to be a returning officer) appointed by the returning officer. 3 Preparation of the voting roll and the ballot papers (1) The returning officer must prepare a roll of the full names and addresses of the members of the co-operative, as disclosed by the register of members, directors and shares, together with particulars of the number of votes each member would be entitled to exercise upon a poll. Sch. 2 -- 50 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 47 (2) A person whose name is on the roll is entitled to vote in the ballot, and no person is otherwise so entitled. (3) The returning officer must cause ballot papers to be prepared in or to the effect of Form 1 in this Schedule. (4) Each ballot paper must be initialled by the returning officer or an appointed assistant. (5) The returning officer must, at least 21 days prior to the date fixed for the closing of the ballot, send by post or otherwise deliver to every member entitled to vote in the ballot one set of the following material— (a) one ballot paper; (b) an envelope (in this Schedule referred to as the outer envelope) addressed to the returning officer; (c) a smaller envelope (in this Schedule referred to as the middle envelope), the reverse side of which must be printed in or to the effect of Form 2 in this Schedule; (d) a small envelope (in this Schedule referred to as the inner envelope) into which the ballot paper is to be enclosed; (e) a copy of the statement prepared by the board setting out the details of the proposal upon which the decision of the members is to be sought. 4 Duplicate ballot papers The returning officer may send a duplicate ballot paper to any voter if the returning officer is satisfied— (a) that the voter has not received a ballot paper; or Sch. 2 -- 51 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 48 (b) that the ballot paper received by the voter has been lost, spoilt or destroyed and that the voter has not already voted. 5 Voting A member casts a vote in the ballot by— (a) completing the details on the reverse side of the middle envelope; and (b) marking his or her vote on the ballot paper according to the instructions on the ballot paper; and (c) sending the ballot paper, in the envelopes provided, to the returning officer. 6 Safe keeping of ballot papers (1) The returning officer must provide a ballot box which must be locked immediately before the ballot papers are delivered to members in accordance with clause 3(5) and must remain locked until the close of the ballot. (2) The returning officer must place the outer envelopes in the ballot box not later than noon on the date fixed for the closing of the ballot. 7 Counting of the votes (1) Ballot papers received after noon on the date fixed for the closing of the ballot must not be taken into account at the ballot. (2) As soon as practicable after noon on the date fixed for the closing of the ballot, the returning officer must, in the presence of such scrutineers as may be appointed by the board, open the ballot box and deal with the contents in accordance with subclause (3). Sch. 2 -- 52 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 49 (3) The returning officer must— (a) remove the middle envelope from the outer envelope; (b) if a duplicate outer envelope has been issued and the original outer envelope is received, reject the original envelope and mark it "rejected"; and (c) according to the information on the middle envelope, for each set of voting papers returned, mark the voter's name on the roll by drawing a line through the name; and (d) if a member's name has already been crossed out on the roll, reject the postal vote and mark it "rejected"; and (e) if the middle envelope has not been signed, or if the details shown on the envelope are not sufficient to disclose by whom the vote is being exercised, reject the envelope and mark it "rejected"; and (f) extract the inner envelopes containing the ballot papers from all unrejected middle envelopes, separating the contents from the middle envelopes in such a way that no inner envelope could subsequently be identified with any particular voter; and (g) when all the middle envelopes have been dealt with in the above manner, open all unrejected inner envelopes and take the ballot papers from them. (4) The ballot papers must be scrutinised by the returning officer who must reject as informal any ballot paper that— (a) is not duly initialled by the returning officer; or Sch. 2 -- 53 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 50 (b) is so imperfectly marked that the intention of the voter cannot be ascertained by the returning officer; or (c) has any mark or writing not authorised by this Schedule which, in the opinion of the returning officer, will enable the voter to be identified; or (d) has not been marked as prescribed on the ballot paper itself. 8 Statement by returning officer (1) The returning officer must count all votes cast and make out and sign a statement of— (a) the number of formal votes cast in favour of the proposal; and (b) the number of formal votes cast against the proposal; and (c) the number of informal votes cast; and (d) the number of middle envelopes marked "rejected"; and (e) the proportion of the formal votes polled which were in the affirmative. (2) The returning officer must forward a copy of the statement to the chairperson of the board of the co-operative who must announce the result of the ballot at the next general meeting. 9 Notification of the result of the ballot (1) A co-operative must give notification of the result of a ballot (other than a ballot conducted to alter the rules of a co-operative) by displaying the result on the noticeboard at the registered office of the co-operative. Sch. 2 -- 54 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 51 (2) In the case of a postal ballot conducted to alter the rules of a co-operative, the co-operative must cause the result of the ballot to be notified in writing to its members as soon as practicable after the alteration takes effect and, in any event, not later than the date on which notice is given to the members of the next annual general meeting of the co-operative following the date on which the alteration takes effect. 10 Retention of ballot papers The returning officer must retain— (a) all ballot papers (whether formal or otherwise); and (b) all rejected outer envelopes; and (c) all rolls— used in connection with the conduct of the postal ballot, locked in the ballot box until the returning officer has been directed in writing by the board that the items referred to may be destroyed. __________________ Sch. 2 -- 55 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 52 FORM 1 POSTAL BALLOT Ballot of members to determine the following proposal— [insert proposal] Do you support the above proposal? (Please mark YES or NO) The ballot will close at noon on [insert date] How to vote 1 Read these directions and the ballot paper carefully. 2 Complete and sign the details on the reverse side of the middle envelope. 3 Mark the ballot paper in the space provided above to indicate your intention regarding the proposal. 4 After marking the ballot paper, fold it and place it in the small envelope provided and seal the envelope. Then place the small envelope in the completed middle envelope and place the middle envelope in the envelope addressed to the returning officer. Forward this envelope either by post or personal delivery so as to reach the returning officer not later than noon on [insert date]. 5 Unless the ballot paper is marked as indicated in 3 above and the details referred to in 2 above are completed in full and the middle envelope signed, your vote may be rejected as informal. Initials of returning officer __________________ Sch. 2 -- 56 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 53 FORM 2 MEMBER DETAILS [Full name] [Address] [Signature] 1 Please use capital letters for your name and address. 2 If the vote is being cast on behalf of a co-operative or other body corporate also indicate the name of such co-operative or body corporate. __________________ Sch. 2 -- 57 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 54 SCHEDULE 3 Regulation 26 PRESCRIBED INFORMATION FOR EXPLANATORY STATEMENTS 1 Definitions In this Schedule— internal creditor means a creditor who is— (a) a member of the co-operative; or (b) a relative or spouse of a member; or (c) a relative of the spouse of a member; Scheme means the proposed compromise or arrangement; scheme creditors means the creditors or class of creditors of a co-operative, to whom the Scheme would apply; scheme members means the members or class of members of a co-operative, to whom the Scheme would apply. 2 Prescribed information relating to proposed compromise or arrangement with creditors or class of creditors (1) The prescribed information which must be included in a draft explanatory statement or explanatory statement (as the case may be) in relation to a proposed compromise or arrangement between a co-operative and any of its creditors is— (a) the expected dividend that would be available to scheme creditors if the co-operative were to be wound up within 6 months after the date of the hearing of the Sch. 3 -- 58 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 55 application to the Court for an order under section 340(1) of the Act; and (b) if a composition of debts is proposed, the expected dividend that would be paid to scheme creditors if the Scheme were put into effect as proposed; and (c) a list of the names of all known scheme creditors and the debts owed to those creditors; and (d) if a scheme creditor is known to be a guaranteed creditor, the name of the creditor and the amount of the debt owed; and (e) if a scheme creditor is known to be an internal creditor, the name of the creditor and the amount of the debt owed. (2) The statement referred to in subclause (1) must contain a statement that an order under section 340(1) of the Act is not an endorsement of, or any other expression of opinion on, the Scheme. (3) The statement referred to in subclause (1) must contain or include— (a) a report on the affairs of the co-operative in or to the effect of the form approved by the Registrar, showing the financial position of the co-operative as at a day within one month of the date on which it is intended to apply to the Court for an order under section 340(1) of the Act; and (b) a copy, certified by a director or by the principal executive officer or a secretary of the co-operative to be a true copy, of all accounts and group accounts (if any) required to be laid before the co-operative at the annual general meeting, together with a copy of every document required by law to be annexed to the accounts; and Sch. 3 -- 59 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 56 (c) if the co-operative that is the subject of the Scheme is a trustee, a statement— (i) of the number of trusts administered by the trustee; and (ii) whether the trustee carries on any business separate from that of the trust; and (iii) how the scheme creditors may obtain a copy of the relevant trust deed, free of charge, prior to the date of the meeting; and (d) if the person (if any) who would be appointed to manage the Scheme proposes to charge for the person's services and for the services of the person's staff in accordance with a particular scale of charges, that scale of charges. 3 Prescribed information relating to proposed compromise or arrangement with members or a class of members (1) The prescribed information which must be included in a draft explanatory statement or explanatory statement (as the case may be) in relation to a proposed compromise or arrangement between a co-operative and any of its members is— (a) unless the co-operative that is the subject of the Scheme is in the course of being wound up or is under official management, in relation to each director of the co- operative— (i) whether the director recommends the acceptance of the Scheme or recommends against acceptance and, in either case, the director's reasons for so recommending; or Sch. 3 -- 60 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 57 (ii) if the director is not available to consider the Scheme, that the director is not so available and the cause of the director's not being available; or (iii) in any other case, that the director does not desire to make, or does not consider himself or herself justified in making, a recommendation and, if the director so requires, the director's reasons for not wishing to do so; or (b) if the co-operative is in the course of being wound up or is under official management— in relation to each liquidator or each official manager— (i) whether the liquidator or official manager recommends acceptance of the Scheme or recommends against acceptance and, in either case the liquidator or official manager's reasons for so recommending; or (ii) in any other case, that the liquidator or official manager does not wish to make a recommendation and the liquidator or official manager's reasons for not wishing to do so. (2) The statement referred to in subclause (1) must set out— (a) the number, description and amount of marketable securities of the co-operative the subject of the Scheme held by or on behalf of each director of the co-operative or, if none are held by or on behalf of a director, a statement to that effect; and (b) for each director of the co-operative by whom or on whose behalf shares in that co-operative are held, whether— Sch. 3 -- 61 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 58 (i) the director intends to vote in favour of, or against, the Scheme; or (ii) the director has not decided whether the director will vote in favour of, or against, the Scheme; and (c) particulars of any payment or other benefit that is proposed to— (i) be made or given to any director, secretary or executive officer of the co-operative the subject of the Scheme as compensation for loss of, or as consideration for or in connection with that person's retirement from, office in that co-operative or in a related body corporate; or (ii) be made or given to any director, secretary or executive officer of any related body corporate as compensation for the loss of, or as consideration for or in connection with that person's retirement from, office in that body corporate or in the co-operative that is the subject of the Scheme; and (d) if there is any other agreement or arrangement made between a director of the co-operative that is the subject of the Scheme and another person in connection with or conditional on the outcome of the Scheme— particulars of the agreement or arrangement; and (e) if the object of the Scheme is for a co-operative to acquire control of a company, particulars of the nature and extent of any interest of a director of that company in any contract entered into by the co-operative; and Sch. 3 -- 62 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 59 (f) whether, within the knowledge of the directors of the co-operative the subject of the Scheme, or, if the co-operative is in liquidation or under official management, the knowledge of the liquidator or the official manager, the financial position of the co-operative has materially changed since the date of the last balance sheet laid before the co-operative in a general meeting and, if so, full particulars of any change; and (g) any other information material to the making of a decision in relation to the Scheme, being information that is within the knowledge of any director, liquidator or official manager of a co-operative that is the subject of the Scheme or of a related company and that has not previously been disclosed to the Scheme members. (3) The statement must set out particulars of the intentions of the directors of the co-operative that is the subject of the Scheme regarding— (a) the continuation of the business of the co-operative or, if the undertaking, or any part of the undertaking, of a co-operative is to be transferred, how that undertaking or part is to be conducted in the future; and (b) any major changes to be made to the business of the co-operative, including any redeployment of the fixed assets of the co-operative; and (c) the future employment of the present employees of the co-operative. __________________ Sch. 3 -- 63 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 60 SCHEDULE 4 Regulation 27 COMPULSORY ACQUISITION NOTICE 1 To [insert name] of [insert address] A The transferee [insert name of person giving notice] on [insert date] made an offer to the holders of *shares in [insert name] Co-operative Limited/*shares included in a class of shares in [insert name] Co-operative Limited for the transfer of those shares to the transferee, not being an offer made under a scheme or contract to which Division 2 of Part 11 of the Co-operatives Act 1996 applies; and B the scheme or contract involving the transfer of those shares to the transferee was on or before [insert date] approved by the holders of at least 90% in nominal value of all the shares concerned, other than excluded shares; and C you are a dissenting shareholder. 2 The transferee gives you notice under section 355(1) of the Co-operatives Act 1996 that the transferee wishes to acquire those shares held by you. 3 You are entitled under section 355(2) of the Co-operatives Act 1996 to ask the transferee, by written notice given to the transferee within one month after the day on which this notice is given, to give you a statement in writing of the names and addresses of all other dissenting shareholders as shown in the register of members. *4 You are entitled not later than the expiration of 28 days after the date on which this notice is given or 14 days after the date on which a statement is supplied to you under section 355(2) of the Co-operatives Act 1996, whichever is the later, to elect, by notice to the transferee, which of the alternative terms offered to the approving shareholders under the scheme or contract you prefer. The alternative terms are as follows— [insert details] 5 Unless, on application made by you within 28 days after the date on which this notice is given or within 14 days after a statement is supplied to you under section 355(2) of the Co-operatives Act 1996, the Supreme Court otherwise orders, the transferee will be entitled and bound subject to section 355(2) to acquire your shares— Sch. 4 -- 64 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 61 (a) on the terms on which, under the scheme or contract, the shares of the approving shareholders are to be transferred to the transferee; or (b) if alternative terms were offered— (i) on the terms for which you have elected; or (ii) if you have not so elected, on whichever of those terms the transferee determines unless the Supreme Court otherwise orders. Dated [signature of transferee] * Delete if not applicable __________________ Sch. 4 -- 65 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 62 SCHEDULE 5 Regulation 28 NOTICE TO REMAINING SHAREHOLDER 1 To [insert name] of [insert address] A The transferee [insert name of person giving notice] on [insert date] made offers to the holders of shares *in [insert name of co-operative] Limited/*included in a class of shares in [insert name of co-operative] Limited for the transfer of those shares to the transferee, not being offers made under a scheme or contract to which Division 2 of Part 11 of the Co-operatives Act 1996 applies; and B under the scheme or contract the transferee became on [insert date] beneficially entitled to shares in that co-operative which together with any other shares in that co-operative to which the transferee, or the transferee and any body corporate related to the transferee, is beneficially entitled, comprise or include 90% in nominal value of the shares concerned; and C you are the holder of remaining shares *in that co-operative/*included in that class of shares in that co-operative and have not assented to the scheme or contract or been given notice in respect of those shares by the transferee under section 355(1) of the Co-operatives Act 1996. 2 The transferee gives you notice under section 357(1)(a) of the Co-operatives Act 1996 that under that scheme or contract the transferee on [insert date] became beneficially entitled to shares in [insert name of co-operative] Limited and those shares together with any other shares in that co-operative to which the transferee, or the transferee and any body corporate related to the transferee, is beneficially entitled, comprise or include 90% in nominal value of the shares *in that co-operative/*included in that class of shares in that co-operative. 3 You are entitled under section 357(1)(b) of the Co-operatives Act 1996, within 3 months after being given this notice, by notice to the transferee, to require the transferee to acquire your shares. Sch. 5 -- 66 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 63 *4 You are entitled under section 357(1)(b) of the Co-operatives Act 1996, within 3 months after being given this notice, to elect by notice to the transferee which of the alternative terms offered to the approving shareholders under the scheme or contract you will accept. The alternative terms are as follows— [insert details] 5 If you require the transferee to acquire the shares held by you the transferee will be entitled and bound to acquire those shares— (a) on the terms that under the scheme or contract were offered to the approving shareholders; or (b) if alternative terms were offered— (i) on the terms for which you have elected; or (ii) if you do not so elect, on whichever of the terms the transferee determines; or (c) on such other terms as are agreed or as the Supreme Court on the application of the transferee or of yourself orders. Dated [signature of transferee] * Delete if not applicable __________________ Sch. 5 -- 67 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 64 SCHEDULE 6 Regulation 29 NOTICE REQUIRING PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS OR APPEARANCE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS Co-operatives Act 1996 (section 393(1)) To: [name of co-operative or person] In relation to an inspection of [name of co-operative], you are required: *(a) to produce to me on [date] at [time] at [full details of place] the documents specified in the Schedule to this notice relating to the co-operative; and *(b) to attend on [date] at [time] before [name of inspector] at [full details of place] to answer any questions relating to the promotion, formation, membership, control, transactions, dealings, business or property of the co-operative. Please note section 398 of the Act (relating to self-incrimination). Signed by the Inspector Date * Delete if not applicable __________________ Sch. 6 -- 68 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 65 SCHEDULE 7 Regulation 30 NOTICE TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS, GIVE ASSISTANCE OR TO APPEAR FOR EXAMINATION AT INQUIRY Co-operatives Act 1996 (section 405(1)) To [name of involved person] In relation to an Inquiry into the affairs of [name of co-operative], you are required: *(a) to produce to me on [date] at [time] at [full details of place] the documents referred to in the Schedule to this notice that are in your custody or control and that relate to the affairs of [name of co-operative]; *(b) to give all reasonable assistance in connection with the Inquiry; *(c) to appear on [date] at [time] before [name of investigator] at [full details of place] for examination on oath or affirmation. Please note the provisions of section 406(1) of the Act (relating to legal representation) and sections 406(2) and (3) of the Act (relating to self- incrimination). Signed by the Inspector Date * Delete if not applicable __________________ Sch. 7 -- 69 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 66 SCHEDULE 8 Regulation 33 PRESCRIBED INFRINGEMENT PENALTIES Column 1 Item Column 2 Provision of Act Column 3 Description Column 4 Prescribed infringement penalty 1 s. 71 Failure to make available for inspection by board of directors list of shareholders or list of members 5 penalty units 2 s. 75(2) Failure to ensure name of person admitted to membership recorded in register within 28 days 5 penalty units 3 s. 192(4) Failure to give at least 28 days notice to Registrar of proposed special resolution before giving notice to members 5 penalty units 4 s. 244(1) Failure to keep proper register 5 penalty units 5 s. 246(6) Failure to permit or assist member to inspect or copy document to which member entitled 5 penalty units 6 s. 246(7) Failure to keep prescribed documents with registers and make them available for inspection 5 penalty units 7 s. 248(2) Failure to give notice that complies with s. 248(2) to Registrar of appointment or cessation of director, principal executive officer or secretary 5 penalty units Sch. 8 -- 70 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 67 Column 1 Item Column 2 Provision of Act Column 3 Description Column 4 Prescribed infringement penalty 8 s. 249(1) Failure to send an annual report to Registrar within the required period each year 5 penalty units 9 s. 250 Failure to send to Registrar, on request, list of members and particulars 5 penalty units 10 s. 251 Failure to furnish special return to Registrar, on request 5 penalty units 11 s. 252(4) Body corporate registering under another Act by a name that includes the words "Co-operative" or "Co-op" 5 penalty units 12 s. 254(2) Contravene s. 254(1) by failure to include name on seal, publications and business documents 5 penalty units 13 s. 256(1) Failure to have a registered office 5 penalty units 14 s. 256(2) Failure to display notice stating name of co-operative and identification as registered office at registered office 5 penalty units 15 s. 256(3) Failure to give Registrar written notice of change of address of registered office 5 penalty units 16 s. 409A Failure by person who has lodged a document under this Act to keep the document for 7 years 7⋅5 penalty units ═══════════════ Sch. 8 -- 71 of 72 -- Co-operatives Regulations 2008 S.R. No. 133/2008 68 ENDNOTES 1 Reg. 3(a): S.R. No. 90/2003. 2 Reg. 3(b): S.R. No. 9/2007. —— Fee Units These Regulations provide for fees by reference to fee units within the meaning of the Monetary Units Act 2004. The amount of the fee is to be calculated, in accordance with section 7 of that Act, by multiplying the number of fee units applicable by the value of a fee unit. The value of a fee unit for the financial year commencing 1 July 2008 is $11.35. The amount of the calculated fee may be rounded to the nearest 10 cents. The value of a fee unit for future financial years is to be fixed by the Treasurer under section 5 of the Monetary Units Act 2004. The value of a fee unit for a financial year must be published in the Government Gazette and a Victorian newspaper before 1 June in the preceding financial year. —— Penalty Units These Regulations provide for penalties by reference to penalty units within the meaning of section 110 of the Sentencing Act 1991. The amount of the penalty is to be calculated, in accordance with section 7 of the Monetary Units Act 2004, by multiplying the number of penalty units applicable by the value of a penalty unit. The value of a penalty unit for the financial year commencing 1 July 2008 is $113.42. The amount of the calculated penalty may be rounded to the nearest dollar. The value of a penalty unit for future financial years is to be fixed by the Treasurer under section 5 of the Monetary Units Act 2004. The value of a penalty unit for a financial year must be published in the Government Gazette and a Victorian newspaper before 1 June in the preceding financial year. Endnotes -- 72 of 72 --