The new Act states that its purpose is to establish a scheme for the registration of associations that are constituted for the purpose of engaging in small-scale, not-for-profit and non-commercial activities.
Most of the changes are designed to modernise the law, reduce red tape and allow more flexibility for associations. There will also be stronger protection of association finances.
New South Wales Fair Trading says that most of the day-to-day procedures and operations of associations will not be directly impacted.
It says that the reforms are designed to help more than 35,000 associations across the state operate more effectively and make it easier to manage their affairs.