Registered organisations must lodge an annual return by 31 March each year.
On this page:
Who needs to lodge an annual return
Every organisation must lodge the an annual return.
The return must include the required information about the organisation's branches. These are sometimes referred to as chapters or divisions. Branches do not lodge an annual return.
If each branch keeps a register of members, the relevant office holder in each branch may need to make a declaration about their register. But the organisation is required to lodge all the information.
The return and any accompanying declaration must be signed by the National Secretary or a prescribed officer of the organisation.
How to lodge an annual return
Before you start your annual return, you’ll need the following information:
- declarations from any branch officers that they have kept and maintained a register of members in accordance with the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 (RO Act)
- elected offices in the organisation and each branch
- names, postal addresses and occupations of the persons holding the offices
- name of each branch and its street address, including any branches that commenced and ceased operation in the previous 12 months
- a record of each election for the organisation or branch, that is due to be held during the calendar year (from 1 January)
- the number of members on 31 December the previous year
- the number of people who are members because of an agreement entered into with a state union.
To prepare an annual return, download and fill out the template:
- Annual return template for organisations with branches
- Annual return template for organisations without branches
More information about the sections in the annual return template.
Email your annual return to [email protected].
How an annual return is assessed
The annual return contains a declaration by the secretary or prescribed officer that the information contained in the annual return is true and correct.
We review the annual return for compliance with the requirements of the RO Act and whether the organisation has addressed any issues of concern that were raised in last year’s annual return.
The requirements for annual returns are set out in sections 230 and 233(1) of the RO Act.
To understand how we assess annual returns, read our checklists:
Keeping records
You are required to keep specific records under the RO Act.
Contact
For more information email [email protected].