{"id":"nsw:act-1976-050","name":"Parents and Citizens Associations Incorporation Act 1976","slug":"parents-and-citizens-associations-incorporation-act-1976","collection":"act","jurisdiction":"nsw","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":"50 of 1976","makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":109971,"registerId":"nsw-act-1976-050-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"Part 1","sectionType":"part","heading":"Preliminary","content":"# Part 1 Preliminary\n\nPart 1 Preliminary\n\n**pt 1, hdg:** Ins 1991 No 19, Sch 2 (2).","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Name of Act","content":"#### 1 Name of Act\n\n1 Name of Act\n\n> This Act may be cited as the [Parents and Citizens Associations Incorporation Act 1976](/view/html/inforce/current/act-1976-050).\n> \n> **s 1:** Subst 1991 No 19, Sch 2 (3).","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"2","sectionType":"section","heading":"Object of Act","content":"#### 2 Object of Act\n\n2 Object of Act\n\n> The object of this Act is to provide for matters relating to:\n> \n> > (a) the Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of New South Wales (the federation) continued in existence under section 4, and\n> \n> > (b) the incorporation of parents and citizens associations, and\n> \n> > (c) the election of councillors and delegates of the federation.\n> \n> **s 2:** Am 1987 No 63, Sch 2; 1991 No 19, Sch 2 (5). Subst 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"3","sectionType":"section","heading":"Definitions","content":"#### 3 Definitions\n\n3 Definitions\n\n> > (1) In this Act:\n> > \n> > administrator—see clause 2 of Schedule 2.\n> > \n> > annual general meeting means the annual general meeting of the federation held under section 12E.\n> > \n> > board means the board of management of the federation.\n> > \n> > constitution means the document, as amended from time to time in accordance with this Act, declared to be the constitution of the federation under section 9.\n> > \n> > councillor means a person holding office as a councillor elected under Part 3A.\n> > \n> > delegate means a person holding office as a delegate elected under Part 3A.\n> > \n> > Department means the Department of Education.\n> > \n> > executive committee means the executive committee of the federation.\n> > \n> > federation—see section 2 (a).\n> > \n> > function includes a power, authority or duty, and exercise a function includes perform a duty.\n> > \n> > government school means a government school established under the [Education Act 1990](/view/html/inforce/current/act-1990-008).\n> > \n> > parent of a student includes a guardian or other person having the custody or care of the student.\n> > \n> > parents and citizens association means a parents and citizens association constituted under the [Education Act 1990](/view/html/inforce/current/act-1990-008).\n> > \n> > president means the president of the executive committee.\n> > \n> > secretary means the secretary of the executive committee.\n> > \n> > transition period means the period starting on the day the administrator is appointed by the Minister under Schedule 2 and ending on the day that is 3 years after that day.\n> > \n> > Note—\n> > \n> > The [Interpretation Act 1987](/view/html/inforce/current/act-1987-015) contains definitions and other provisions that affect the interpretation and application of this Act.\n> \n> > (2) Notes included in this Act do not form part of this Act.\n> \n> **s 3:** Subst 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\]. Am 2017 No 22, Sch 4.29.","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"Part 2","sectionType":"part","heading":"Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of New South Wales","content":"# Part 2 Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of New South Wales\n\nPart 2 Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of New South Wales\n\n**pt 2, hdg:** Ins 1991 No 19, Sch 2 (4). Subst 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"Division 1","sectionType":"division","heading":"The federation and its members","content":"## Division 1 The federation and its members\n\nDivision 1 The federation and its members\n\n**pt 2, div 1, hdg:** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"4","sectionType":"section","heading":"Continuation of Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of New South Wales","content":"#### 4 Continuation of Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of New South Wales\n\n4 Continuation of Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of New South Wales\n\n> > (1) Without limiting section 53 of the [Interpretation Act 1987](/view/html/inforce/current/act-1987-015), the former corporation is continued in existence as a corporation under the corporate name of Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of New South Wales.\n> \n> > (2) In this section:\n> > \n> > former corporation means the Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of New South Wales constituted under this Act as in force before the commencement of the [Parents and Citizens Associations Incorporation Amendment Act 2014](/view/html/repealed/current/act-2014-012).\n> \n> **s 4:** Subst 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":6},{"sectionNumber":"5","sectionType":"section","heading":"Status of federation","content":"#### 5 Status of federation\n\n5 Status of federation\n\n> The federation is not a NSW Government agency.\n> \n> **s 5:** Subst 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].\n> \n> **s 5A:** Ins 1991 No 19, Sch 2 (6). Rep 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":7},{"sectionNumber":"6","sectionType":"section","heading":"Federation’s functions","content":"#### 6 Federation’s functions\n\n6 Federation’s functions\n\n> The federation’s functions are as follows:\n> \n> > (a) to promote public education and facilitate community involvement in public education,\n> \n> > (b) to promote the interests of students, and parents of students, enrolled at government schools,\n> \n> > (c) to co-operate with the Department, and community organisations having an interest in public education, in relation to matters involving public education,\n> \n> > (d) to assist parents and citizens associations in carrying out their functions or activities,\n> \n> > (e) other functions specified in the constitution.\n> \n> **s 6:** Subst 1991 No 19, Sch 2 (7). Subst 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":8},{"sectionNumber":"7","sectionType":"section","heading":"Federation’s powers","content":"#### 7 Federation’s powers\n\n7 Federation’s powers\n\n> > (1) The federation may exercise its powers subject to any express restriction on, or a prohibition of, the exercise of the powers under this Act or the constitution.\n> \n> > (2) The federation cannot direct a parents and citizens association in relation to the exercise of any of the association’s functions or activities.\n> \n> **s 7:** Subst 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":9},{"sectionNumber":"8","sectionType":"section","heading":"Membership","content":"#### 8 Membership\n\n8 Membership\n\n> The members of the federation are:\n> \n> > (a) the parents and citizens associations that have been admitted as members of the federation in accordance with this Act and the constitution, and\n> \n> > (b) the persons or entities admitted as members of the federation in accordance with the constitution.\n> \n> **s 8:** Subst 1991 No 19, Sch 2 (8); 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":10},{"sectionNumber":"Division 2","sectionType":"division","heading":"The constitution of the federation","content":"## Division 2 The constitution of the federation\n\nDivision 2 The constitution of the federation\n\n**pt 2, div 2, hdg:** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":11},{"sectionNumber":"9","sectionType":"section","heading":"Federation’s constitution","content":"#### 9 Federation’s constitution\n\n9 Federation’s constitution\n\n> > (1) The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, declare a document prepared by or on behalf of the Minister to be the constitution of the federation.\n> \n> > (2) The document declared under subsection (1), as amended from time to time in accordance with this Act, is the constitution of the federation.\n> \n> > (3) The constitution may provide for the following matters:\n> > \n> > > (a) the admission of members of the federation,\n> > \n> > > (b) the procedures for conducting meetings and other business of the board or executive committee,\n> > \n> > > (c) the procedures for electing councillors to the executive committee,\n> > \n> > > (d) the terms and conditions of holding office as a member of the board or executive committee,\n> > \n> > > (e) the procedures for the conduct of elections of councillors and delegates.\n> \n> > (4) The constitution may contain an express restriction on, or a prohibition of, the federation’s exercise of any of its powers, but the exercise of a power by the federation is not invalid merely because it is contrary to the restriction or prohibition.\n> \n> > (5) This section does not limit the matters for which the constitution may provide.\n> \n> **s 9:** Subst 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":12},{"sectionNumber":"10","sectionType":"section","heading":"Amendment of constitution","content":"#### 10 Amendment of constitution\n\n10 Amendment of constitution\n\n> > (1) The board may, by resolution passed at a special meeting of the board, amend the constitution.\n> \n> > (2) An amendment made by the board has no force or effect unless the resolution is supported by at least three-quarters of the members of the board.\n> \n> > (3) In this section:\n> > \n> > school day means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day that is a holiday for government schools.\n> > \n> > special meeting of the board means a meeting of the board that is held on a school day and in relation to which a notice of the meeting:\n> > \n> > > (a) includes the terms of the proposed resolution to amend the constitution, and\n> > \n> > > (b) is sent to each member of the board:\n> > > \n> > > > (i) at least 20 school days before the meeting is held, and\n> > > \n> > > > (ii) by post or email to the postal address or email address last given to the board by the member.\n> \n> Note—\n> \n> The board cannot amend the constitution under this section until after the end of the transition period. During the transition period, the Minister may amend the constitution. See clause 16 of Schedule 2.\n> \n> **s 10:** Subst 1991 No 19, Sch 2 (9); 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":13},{"sectionNumber":"Division 3","sectionType":"division","heading":"Board of management","content":"## Division 3 Board of management\n\nDivision 3 Board of management\n\n**pt 2, div 3, hdg:** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":14},{"sectionNumber":"11","sectionType":"section","heading":"The board and its members","content":"#### 11 The board and its members\n\n11 The board and its members\n\n> > (1) There is a board of management of the federation.\n> \n> > (2) The board consists of the councillors.\n> \n> > (3) Part 1 of Schedule 1 contains provisions about the procedures of the board.\n> \n> **s 11:** Subst 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":15},{"sectionNumber":"12","sectionType":"section","heading":"Functions of board","content":"#### 12 Functions of board\n\n12 Functions of board\n\n> The board’s functions are as follows:\n> \n> > (a) to advise the Department and other entities about the federation’s views on matters relating to public education,\n> \n> > (b) to liaise with national organisations on matters relating to public education,\n> \n> > (c) to implement decisions of the federation made at the annual general meeting,\n> \n> > (d) to determine policies of the federation, not inconsistent with decisions of the federation made at an annual general meeting, in relation to matters involving public education,\n> \n> > (e) to implement policies determined under paragraph (d).\n> \n> **s 12:** Subst 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":16},{"sectionNumber":"Division 4","sectionType":"division","heading":"Executive committee","content":"## Division 4 Executive committee\n\nDivision 4 Executive committee\n\n**pt 2, divs 4–6 (ss 12A–12K):** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":17},{"sectionNumber":"12A","sectionType":"section","heading":"The executive committee and its members","content":"#### 12A The executive committee and its members\n\n12A The executive committee and its members\n\n> > (1) There is an executive committee of the federation.\n> \n> > (2) The executive committee consists of not more than 7 members who are councillors elected by the board in accordance with this Act and the constitution.\n> \n> > (3) The board must appoint 1 of its members as the president, and 1 of its members as the secretary, of the executive committee.\n> \n> > (4) The other members of the executive committee hold the offices, if any, provided for under the constitution.\n> \n> > (5) Part 2 of Schedule 1 contains provisions about the membership and procedures of the executive committee.\n> \n> **pt 2, divs 4–6 (ss 12A–12K):** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":18},{"sectionNumber":"12B","sectionType":"section","heading":"Role of executive committee","content":"#### 12B Role of executive committee\n\n12B Role of executive committee\n\n> > (1) The executive committee is responsible for the day to day management of the federation.\n> \n> > (2) Without limiting subsection (1), the executive committee has the responsibilities specified in the constitution.\n> \n> **pt 2, divs 4–6 (ss 12A–12K):** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":19},{"sectionNumber":"12C","sectionType":"section","heading":"Election of members","content":"#### 12C Election of members\n\n12C Election of members\n\n> The board is to elect the members of the executive committee as soon as practicable after the end of each election conducted under Part 3A.\n> \n> **pt 2, divs 4–6 (ss 12A–12K):** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":20},{"sectionNumber":"12D","sectionType":"section","heading":"Duration of membership","content":"#### 12D Duration of membership\n\n12D Duration of membership\n\n> > (1) A member of the executive committee holds office until the day the councillors and delegates are next elected under Part 3A, unless the office of the member sooner becomes vacant.\n> \n> > (2) A councillor may be elected as a member of the executive committee more than once.\n> \n> **pt 2, divs 4–6 (ss 12A–12K):** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":21},{"sectionNumber":"Division 5","sectionType":"division","heading":"Annual general meeting of federation","content":"## Division 5 Annual general meeting of federation\n\nDivision 5 Annual general meeting of federation\n\n**pt 2, divs 4–6 (ss 12A–12K):** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":22},{"sectionNumber":"12E","sectionType":"section","heading":"Annual general meeting","content":"#### 12E Annual general meeting\n\n12E Annual general meeting\n\n> > (1) The federation is to hold an annual general meeting at the place and time determined by the executive committee.\n> \n> > (2) The purpose of the annual general meeting is to determine the federation’s policies and decide matters relating to the implementation of the federation’s policies and other activities conducted by the federation.\n> \n> > (3) The procedure for the calling of the annual general meeting and for the conduct of business at the meeting is, subject to this Act and the constitution, to be as determined by the executive committee.\n> \n> **pt 2, divs 4–6 (ss 12A–12K):** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":23},{"sectionNumber":"12F","sectionType":"section","heading":"Attendance and voting at annual general meeting","content":"#### 12F Attendance and voting at annual general meeting\n\n12F Attendance and voting at annual general meeting\n\n> > (1) The following persons are eligible to attend the annual general meeting:\n> > \n> > > (a) the councillors,\n> > \n> > > (b) the delegates,\n> > \n> > > (c) other persons determined by the board or permitted to attend the meeting under the constitution.\n> \n> > (2) Only the councillors and delegates are entitled to vote on a motion at the annual general meeting.\n> \n> > (3) The president (or, in the absence of the president, a councillor or delegate elected to chair the meeting by the other councillors and delegates present) is to preside at the annual general meeting.\n> \n> > (4) The person presiding has a deliberative vote and, in the event of an equality of votes, has a second or casting vote.\n> \n> > (5) The quorum for an annual general meeting is a majority of councillors and delegates for the time being.\n> \n> > (6) A decision supported by a majority of the votes cast at an annual general meeting at which a quorum is present is a decision of the federation.\n> \n> **pt 2, divs 4–6 (ss 12A–12K):** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":24},{"sectionNumber":"Division 6","sectionType":"division","heading":"Miscellaneous","content":"## Division 6 Miscellaneous\n\nDivision 6 Miscellaneous\n\n**pt 2, divs 4–6 (ss 12A–12K):** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":25},{"sectionNumber":"12G","sectionType":"section","heading":"Execution of documents","content":"#### 12G Execution of documents\n\n12G Execution of documents\n\n> > (1) The federation may execute a document without using its seal if the document is signed by the president and secretary.\n> \n> > (2) The federation may execute a document with its seal if the seal is fixed to the document and the fixing of the seal is witnessed by at least 2 members of the executive committee.\n> \n> > (3) The federation may execute a document as a deed if the document is expressed to be executed as a deed and is executed in accordance with subsection (1) or (2).\n> \n> > (4) This section does not limit the ways in which the federation may execute a document, including a deed.\n> \n> > (5) This section does not authorise the federation to execute a document contrary to its constitution.\n> \n> **pt 2, divs 4–6 (ss 12A–12K):** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":26},{"sectionNumber":"12H","sectionType":"section","heading":"Service of documents","content":"#### 12H Service of documents\n\n12H Service of documents\n\n> > (1) A document addressed to the federation may be served on the federation:\n> > \n> > > (a) by leaving it at, or sending it by post to, the address of the federation’s official office, or\n> > \n> > > (b) by delivering copies of it personally to the president or secretary, or to each of 2 other members of the executive committee, or\n> > \n> > > (c) in another way provided for under the constitution.\n> \n> > (2) For the purposes of this section, the address of the federation’s official office includes the address last notified to the Secretary of the Department by the federation under this Act.\n> \n> > (3) Nothing in this section affects the operation of any provision of a law or the rules of court authorising a document to be served on the federation or a person in any other way.\n> \n> **pt 2, divs 4–6 (ss 12A–12K):** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":27},{"sectionNumber":"12I","sectionType":"section","heading":"Personal liability","content":"#### 12I Personal liability\n\n12I Personal liability\n\n> A matter or thing done or omitted to be done by the board or executive committee, a member of the board or executive committee or a person acting under the direction of the board or executive committee does not, if the matter or thing was done or omitted to be done in good faith for the purpose of executing this or any other Act, subject a member or a person so acting personally to any action, liability, claim or demand.\n> \n> **pt 2, divs 4–6 (ss 12A–12K):** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":28},{"sectionNumber":"12J","sectionType":"section","heading":"Change of address","content":"#### 12J Change of address\n\n12J Change of address\n\n> The secretary must, within 14 days after the federation changes the address of its official office, give the Secretary of the Department notice of the new address.\n> \n> **pt 2, divs 4–6 (ss 12A–12K):** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":29},{"sectionNumber":"12K","sectionType":"section","heading":"Publication of constitution","content":"#### 12K Publication of constitution\n\n12K Publication of constitution\n\n> The president must ensure a copy of the constitution is available on the federation’s website.\n> \n> **pt 2, divs 4–6 (ss 12A–12K):** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":30},{"sectionNumber":"Part 3","sectionType":"part","heading":"Incorporation of parents and citizens associations","content":"# Part 3 Incorporation of parents and citizens associations\n\nPart 3 Incorporation of parents and citizens associations\n\n**pt 3:** Ins 1991 No 19, Sch 1.","sortOrder":31},{"sectionNumber":"13","sectionType":"section","heading":"Incorporation of parents and citizens associations","content":"#### 13 Incorporation of parents and citizens associations\n\n13 Incorporation of parents and citizens associations\n\n> > (1) A parents and citizens association may, if it is not incorporated, apply to the Minister for incorporation under this Act.\n> \n> > (2) The application is to be in writing and signed by the officers of the association.\n> \n> > (3) The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, declare that the association is incorporated under this Act. The Minister may reject the application if satisfied that the association will not comply with the requirements of this Part.\n> \n> > (4) On the publication of the notice (or on a later date specified in the notice), a body corporate with the name of the association is constituted and the unincorporated body with that name is dissolved.\n> \n> > (5) The members of the incorporated association are the persons who become members in accordance with its rules. The persons who were members of the association immediately before its incorporation become members on its incorporation if qualified under the rules of the incorporated association.\n> \n> **s 13:** Ins 1991 No 19, Sch 1. Am 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[2\\].","sortOrder":32},{"sectionNumber":"14","sectionType":"section","heading":"Transfer of assets and liabilities on incorporation","content":"#### 14 Transfer of assets and liabilities on incorporation\n\n14 Transfer of assets and liabilities on incorporation\n\n> When a parents and citizens association is incorporated under this Act:\n> \n> > (a) the trustees of any real or personal property who, immediately before the incorporation, held that property for or on behalf of the unincorporated association are authorised to vest the property in the incorporated association freed and discharged from the trusts on which they held that property, and\n> \n> > (b) any money or liquidated or unliquidated claim that, immediately before the incorporation, was payable to, or recoverable by, the unincorporated association becomes money payable to, or a claim recoverable by, the incorporated association, and\n> \n> > (c) any debt due or money payable by, and any claim, liquidated or unliquidated, recoverable against, the unincorporated association or any person for or on behalf of the unincorporated association (being a debt, money or a claim due, payable or recoverable immediately before the incorporation) becomes a debt due or money payable by, or a claim recoverable against, the incorporated association, and\n> \n> > (d) any proceeding that, immediately before the incorporation, was pending at the suit or on the application of the unincorporated association or any person for or on behalf of the unincorporated association becomes a proceeding pending at the suit or on the application of the incorporated association, and\n> \n> > (e) any contract, agreement or undertaking entered into with, and any security given to or by any person for or on behalf of, the unincorporated association and in force immediately before the incorporation becomes a contract, agreement or undertaking entered into with, and a security given to or by, the incorporated association, and\n> \n> > (f) the incorporated association may enforce and realise any security or charge in favour of the unincorporated association, or any person for or on behalf of the unincorporated association, as if it were a security or charge in favour of the incorporated association.\n> \n> **s 14:** Ins 1991 No 19, Sch 1.","sortOrder":33},{"sectionNumber":"15","sectionType":"section","heading":"Rules of incorporated associations","content":"#### 15 Rules of incorporated associations\n\n15 Rules of incorporated associations\n\n> > (1) The rules for the conduct of the business and affairs of a parents and citizens association incorporated under this Act are the relevant standard or model rules published by the Minister under section 117 of the [Education Act 1990](/view/html/inforce/current/act-1990-008).\n> \n> > (2) On incorporation under this Act, a parents and citizens association is taken to have adopted the relevant rules so published, as amended from time to time.\n> \n> **s 15:** Ins 1991 No 19, Sch 1. Am 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[3\\].","sortOrder":34},{"sectionNumber":"16","sectionType":"section","heading":"Names of parents and citizens associations","content":"#### 16 Names of parents and citizens associations\n\n16 Names of parents and citizens associations\n\n> > (1) The name of a parents and citizens association incorporated under this Act is “*\\[name of government school in connection with which the association is constituted\\]* Parents and Citizens Association”.\n> \n> > (2) A change in the name of the government school concerned effects a corresponding change in the name of the incorporated association.\n> \n> **s 16:** Ins 1991 No 19, Sch 1.","sortOrder":35},{"sectionNumber":"17","sectionType":"section","heading":"Incorporated associations to be members of federation","content":"#### 17 Incorporated associations to be members of federation\n\n17 Incorporated associations to be members of federation\n\n> A parents and citizens association incorporated under this Act is required to be a member of the federation.\n> \n> **s 17:** Ins 1991 No 19, Sch 1. Am 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[4\\].","sortOrder":36},{"sectionNumber":"18","sectionType":"section","heading":"Members and officers of incorporated association not liable for debts etc of association","content":"#### 18 Members and officers of incorporated association not liable for debts etc of association\n\n18 Members and officers of incorporated association not liable for debts etc of association\n\n> A member or officer of a parents and citizens association incorporated under this Act is not, by reason only of being such a member or officer, liable to contribute towards the payment of the debts and liabilities of the association or the costs, charges and expenses of the winding up of the association.\n> \n> **s 18:** Ins 1991 No 19, Sch 1.","sortOrder":37},{"sectionNumber":"19","sectionType":"section","heading":"Public liability insurance","content":"#### 19 Public liability insurance\n\n19 Public liability insurance\n\n> > (1) A parents and citizens association incorporated under this Act must effect and maintain approved public liability insurance, unless the association is covered by such insurance effected and maintained by the federation.\n> \n> > (2) In this section:\n> > \n> > approved insurer means a person, or a person belonging to a class of persons:\n> > \n> > > (a) that is an approved insurer for the purposes of Part 9 of the [Strata Schemes Management Act 2015](/view/html/inforce/current/act-2015-050), or\n> > \n> > > (b) approved by the Minister by order published in the Gazette.\n> > \n> > approved public liability insurance means liability insurance with an approved insurer for a cover of at least $20,000,000 or such other amount as may be prescribed by the regulations.\n> \n> **s 19:** Ins 1991 No 19, Sch 1. Am 2009 No 7, Sch 3.10 \\[1\\]; 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[5\\] \\[6\\]; 2016 No 50, Sch 4.17.","sortOrder":38},{"sectionNumber":"20","sectionType":"section","heading":"Financial reports","content":"#### 20 Financial reports\n\n20 Financial reports\n\n> A parents and citizens association incorporated under this Act must make such financial reports about its affairs (including reports of its auditors) as are required by its rules or (subject to its rules) by the Minister.\n> \n> **s 20:** Ins 1991 No 19, Sch 1.","sortOrder":39},{"sectionNumber":"21","sectionType":"section","heading":"Cancellation of incorporation","content":"#### 21 Cancellation of incorporation\n\n21 Cancellation of incorporation\n\n> > (1) The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, cancel the incorporation of a parents and citizens association incorporated under this Act:\n> > \n> > > (a) if the Minister has reasonable cause to believe that the association is not complying with this Act or the rules of the association, or\n> > \n> > > (b) if the association has ceased to be a member of the federation, or\n> > \n> > > (c) if the association is constituted in connection with a government school that has been closed, or\n> > \n> > > (d) if the Minister has other good cause for doing so.\n> \n> > (2) If the incorporation of the association is so cancelled and the winding up of the association has not commenced before the cancellation, the property of the association vests in the Minister. The debts and liabilities of that association are to be paid, its property is to be distributed and its affairs are to be wound up in accordance with the directions of the Minister.\n> \n> > (3) Nothing in this Act affects the winding up under any other law of a parents and citizens association incorporated under this Act.\n> \n> **s 21:** Ins 1991 No 19, Sch 1. Am 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[5\\].","sortOrder":40},{"sectionNumber":"22","sectionType":"section","heading":"Service of documents on association","content":"#### 22 Service of documents on association\n\n22 Service of documents on association\n\n> > (1) A document may be served on a parents and citizens association incorporated under this Act by leaving it at the office of, or by sending it by post to, the government school in connection with which the association is constituted.\n> \n> > (2) Nothing in this section affects:\n> > \n> > > (a) the power of a court to authorise a document to be served on the association in a manner not provided for by this section, or\n> > \n> > > (b) the operation of any law or rules of court authorising a document to be served on the association in a manner not provided for by this section.\n> \n> **s 22:** Ins 1991 No 19, Sch 1.","sortOrder":41},{"sectionNumber":"23","sectionType":"section","heading":"Regulations","content":"#### 23 Regulations\n\n23 Regulations\n\n> The regulations may make provision for or with respect to the transfer of incorporation to this Act of a parents and citizens association incorporated under the [Associations Incorporation Act 2009](/view/html/inforce/current/act-2009-007).\n> \n> **s 23:** Ins 1991 No 19, Sch 1. Am 2009 No 7, Sch 3.10 \\[2\\].","sortOrder":42},{"sectionNumber":"Part 3A","sectionType":"part","heading":"Election of councillors and delegates","content":"# Part 3A Election of councillors and delegates\n\nPart 3A Election of councillors and delegates\n\n**pt 3A:** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[7\\].","sortOrder":43},{"sectionNumber":"23A","sectionType":"section","heading":"Purpose of Part","content":"#### 23A Purpose of Part\n\n23A Purpose of Part\n\n> The purpose of this Part is to provide for matters relating to the election of councillors and delegates.\n> \n> Note—\n> \n> Councillors are members of the board and may attend and vote at the annual general meeting of the federation. Delegates may attend and vote at the annual general meeting.\n> \n> **s 23A:** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[7\\].","sortOrder":45},{"sectionNumber":"23B","sectionType":"section","heading":"Definitions","content":"#### 23B Definitions\n\n23B Definitions\n\n> In this Part:\n> \n> affiliate parents and citizens association means a parents and citizens association that is a member of the federation.\n> \n> election means an election of councillors and delegates under this Part.\n> \n> electoral commissioner means the electoral commissioner for New South Wales appointed under the [Electoral Act 2017](/view/html/inforce/current/act-2017-066).\n> \n> electorate—see section 23C (1).\n> \n> school means a government school.\n> \n> **s 23B:** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[7\\]. Am 2014 No 88, Sch 1.18 \\[1\\]; 2017 No 66, Sch 8.17.","sortOrder":46},{"sectionNumber":"23C","sectionType":"section","heading":"Meaning of “electorate”","content":"#### 23C Meaning of “electorate”\n\n23C Meaning of “electorate”\n\n> > (1) An electorate consists of:\n> > \n> > > (a) except as provided by paragraph (b), all the schools comprising a group of schools as shown on the document called Federation Electoral Areas published by the Department, or\n> > \n> > > (b) all the schools specified in the constitution as comprising an electorate for the purposes of this Act.\n> \n> > (2) The constitution cannot specify schools as comprising an electorate for the purposes of this Act until after the end of the transition period.\n> \n> > (3) While the electorates comprise a group of schools as shown on the document referred to in subsection (1) (a), the Secretary of the Department must ensure a copy of the document is available on the Department’s website.\n> \n> > (4) If the constitution specifies the schools that comprise an electorate, the president must ensure that the details of the electorates are available on the federation’s website.\n> \n> **s 23C:** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[7\\].","sortOrder":47},{"sectionNumber":"23D","sectionType":"section","heading":"Conduct of elections—general","content":"#### 23D Conduct of elections—general\n\n23D Conduct of elections—general\n\n> > (1) Each election is to be administered by:\n> > \n> > > (a) the person prescribed by the regulations, or\n> > \n> > > (b) if a person is not prescribed under paragraph (a)—the electoral commissioner.\n> \n> > (2) The person administering an election is the returning officer at the election.\n> \n> > (3) If the electoral commissioner is the returning officer at an election, the electoral commissioner may delegate to any staff of the office of the New South Wales Electoral Commission any of the commissioner’s functions as returning officer, other than this power of delegation.\n> \n> > (4) Subject to this Act, an election is to be conducted in accordance with the procedures under the constitution.\n> \n> **ss 23D–23F:** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[7\\].","sortOrder":49},{"sectionNumber":"23E","sectionType":"section","heading":"Requirements relating to electorates and representation","content":"#### 23E Requirements relating to electorates and representation\n\n23E Requirements relating to electorates and representation\n\n> > (1) There are 16 electorates for the purpose of an election.\n> \n> > (2) Each school must be in an electorate and cannot be in more than 1 electorate.\n> \n> > (3) One councillor and 2 delegates are to be elected for each electorate.\n> \n> **ss 23D–23F:** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[7\\].","sortOrder":50},{"sectionNumber":"23F","sectionType":"section","heading":"When election to be held","content":"#### 23F When election to be held\n\n23F When election to be held\n\n> An election is to be held:\n> \n> > (a) within the period prescribed by the regulations, or\n> \n> > (b) if a period is not prescribed under paragraph (a)—at least every 2 years.\n> \n> **ss 23D–23F:** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[7\\].","sortOrder":51},{"sectionNumber":"23G","sectionType":"section","heading":"Eligibility of councillors and delegates","content":"#### 23G Eligibility of councillors and delegates\n\n23G Eligibility of councillors and delegates\n\n> > (1) A person is eligible to be elected as a councillor or delegate for an electorate only if the person is:\n> > \n> > > (a) a parent of a student enrolled at a school in the electorate, and\n> > \n> > > (b) a member of an affiliate parents and citizens association of a school in the electorate.\n> \n> > (2) A person’s term of office as a councillor or delegate does not end merely because the councillor or delegate is no longer a person referred to in subsection (1).\n> \n> **s 23G:** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[7\\]. Am 2014 No 88, Sch 1.18 \\[2\\].","sortOrder":52},{"sectionNumber":"23H","sectionType":"section","heading":"Voting for councillors and delegates","content":"#### 23H Voting for councillors and delegates\n\n23H Voting for councillors and delegates\n\n> > (1) Each affiliate parents and citizens association of a school in an electorate may vote in an election for the councillor and delegates for the electorate.\n> \n> > (2) Each affiliate parents and citizens association of a school in an electorate may cast 1 vote for each councillor and 1 vote for each delegate for the electorate.\n> \n> > (3) To determine the vote of the affiliate parents and citizens association of a school under this section, an individual is eligible to vote only if the individual is:\n> > \n> > > (a) a parent of a student enrolled at the school, and\n> > \n> > > (b) a member of the affiliate parents and citizens association.\n> \n> > (4) The procedures for the conduct of a vote of the affiliate parents and citizens association are the procedures decided by the association.\n> \n> **s 23H:** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[7\\]. Am 2014 No 88, Sch 1.18 \\[3\\].","sortOrder":53},{"sectionNumber":"23I","sectionType":"section","heading":"Role of councillor and delegate","content":"#### 23I Role of councillor and delegate\n\n23I Role of councillor and delegate\n\n> > (1) A councillor represents the councillor’s electorate on the board and at the annual general meeting of the federation.\n> \n> > (2) Each delegate represents the delegate’s electorate at the annual general meeting of the federation.\n> \n> **ss 23I–23M:** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[7\\].","sortOrder":54},{"sectionNumber":"23J","sectionType":"section","heading":"Term of office of councillor and delegate","content":"#### 23J Term of office of councillor and delegate\n\n23J Term of office of councillor and delegate\n\n> > (1) A councillor or delegate holds office from the day the councillor or delegate is elected under this Part until the day the councillors and delegates are next elected under this Part, unless the councillor’s or delegate’s office sooner becomes vacant.\n> \n> > (2) A person may be elected as a councillor or delegate more than once.\n> \n> **ss 23I–23M:** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[7\\].","sortOrder":55},{"sectionNumber":"23K","sectionType":"section","heading":"Vacancy in office of councillor or delegate","content":"#### 23K Vacancy in office of councillor or delegate\n\n23K Vacancy in office of councillor or delegate\n\n> The office of a councillor or delegate becomes vacant if the councillor or delegate:\n> \n> > (a) dies, or\n> \n> > (b) completes a term of office and is not re-elected, or\n> \n> > (c) resigns the office by instrument in writing addressed to the board, or\n> \n> > (d) becomes a mentally incapacitated person, or\n> \n> > (e) was not eligible to be elected under this Part as a councillor or delegate and the board gives the councillor or delegate written notice that the office is vacated because he or she was not eligible to be elected.\n> \n> **ss 23I–23M:** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[7\\].","sortOrder":56},{"sectionNumber":"23L","sectionType":"section","heading":"Filling vacancy in office of councillor or delegate","content":"#### 23L Filling vacancy in office of councillor or delegate\n\n23L Filling vacancy in office of councillor or delegate\n\n> > (1) If the office of a councillor or delegate becomes vacant (otherwise than by the expiration of a term of office), a person is, subject to this Act, to be appointed to fill the vacancy in accordance with the procedures under the constitution.\n> \n> > (2) A councillor or delegate appointed under subsection (1):\n> > \n> > > (a) must be a person who is eligible under this Part to be elected as a councillor or delegate for the electorate in which the vacancy has occurred, and\n> > \n> > > (b) holds office as a councillor or delegate during the unexpired term of the vacated office.\n> \n> **ss 23I–23M:** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[7\\].","sortOrder":57},{"sectionNumber":"23M","sectionType":"section","heading":"Appointment of councillor or delegate","content":"#### 23M Appointment of councillor or delegate\n\n23M Appointment of councillor or delegate\n\n> > (1) This section applies if, at an election, a person is not elected as the councillor or a delegate for an electorate.\n> \n> > (2) A person who is eligible to be elected as the councillor or a delegate for the electorate may be appointed as the councillor or a delegate in accordance with the constitution.\n> \n> > (3) A person who is appointed as the councillor or a delegate under this section is taken to have been elected as the councillor or delegate under this Part on the day the person is appointed.\n> \n> **ss 23I–23M:** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[7\\].","sortOrder":58},{"sectionNumber":"23N","sectionType":"section","heading":"Cost of election","content":"#### 23N Cost of election\n\n23N Cost of election\n\n> The cost of conducting an election is payable by the federation.\n> \n> **pt 3A, div 3 (ss 23N, 23O):** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[7\\].","sortOrder":60},{"sectionNumber":"23O","sectionType":"section","heading":"Regulations","content":"#### 23O Regulations\n\n23O Regulations\n\n> > (1) The regulations may make provision for or with respect to the conduct of an election.\n> \n> > (2) Without limiting subsection (1), the regulations may provide for requirements of the electoral commissioner relating to the conduct of an election.\n> \n> **pt 3A, div 3 (ss 23N, 23O):** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[7\\].","sortOrder":61},{"sectionNumber":"Part 4","sectionType":"part","heading":"Miscellaneous","content":"# Part 4 Miscellaneous\n\nPart 4 Miscellaneous\n\n**pt 4:** Ins 1991 No 19, Sch 2 (10).","sortOrder":62},{"sectionNumber":"23P","sectionType":"section","heading":"Delegation","content":"#### 23P Delegation\n\n23P Delegation\n\n> The Minister may delegate the exercise of any function of the Minister under this Act (other than this power of delegation) to:\n> \n> > (a) the Secretary of the Department, or\n> \n> > (b) another employee of the Department who is a Public Service senior executive within the meaning of the [Government Sector Employment Act 2013](/view/html/inforce/current/act-2013-040).\n> \n> **s 23P:** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[8\\].","sortOrder":63},{"sectionNumber":"23Q","sectionType":"section","heading":"Act prevails over constitution","content":"#### 23Q Act prevails over constitution\n\n23Q Act prevails over constitution\n\n> This Act prevails to the extent of any inconsistency between this Act and the constitution.\n> \n> **s 23Q:** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[8\\].","sortOrder":64},{"sectionNumber":"24","sectionType":"section","heading":"Regulations","content":"#### 24 Regulations\n\n24 Regulations\n\n> The Governor may make regulations, not inconsistent with this Act, for or with respect to any matter that by this Act is required or permitted to be prescribed, or that is necessary or convenient to be prescribed, for carrying out or giving effect to this Act.\n> \n> **s 24:** Ins 1991 No 19, Sch 2 (10).","sortOrder":65},{"sectionNumber":"Schedule 1","sectionType":"schedule","heading":"Provisions relating to board and executive committee","content":"# Schedule 1 Provisions relating to board and executive committee\n\nSchedule 1 Provisions relating to board and executive committee\n\n(Sections 11 (3) and 12A (5))\n\n**sch 1:** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[9\\].","sortOrder":66},{"sectionNumber":"Schedule 2","sectionType":"schedule","heading":"Savings, transitional and other provisions","content":"# Schedule 2 Savings, transitional and other provisions\n\nSchedule 2 Savings, transitional and other provisions\n\n**sch 2:** Ins 2014 No 12, Sch 1 \\[9\\].","sortOrder":85}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The text shows substantive change from earlier arrangements: it continues the former corporation (s 4) but adds the 2014 transitional architecture that centralises temporary authority (Minister may amend the constitution during transition (cl 16 Sch 2); Minister may appoint an administrator with broad powers and directions (cl 3–6 Sch 2)). It also formalises election structures (ss 23C–23F), mandatory federation membership (s 17) and insurance/reporting obligations (ss 19, 20), shifting decision‑making and compliance burdens compared with a purely member‑driven model."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple governance layers and roles to coordinate: federation, board, executive committee, councillors and delegates (ss 6, 11, 12A, 23I).","Ministerial discretion to declare the constitution and amend it during a transition period (s 9; cl 16 Sch 2).","Transitional administrator regime with statutory powers, direction by Minister and immunity (cl 3–11 Sch 2).","Detailed election framework: fixed number of electorates, eligibility, voting rules and returning officer arrangements with potential delegation (ss 23C–23H, 23D).","Mandatory membership of federation for incorporated P&Cs and mandated model rules via the Education Act (ss 15, 17).","Statutory compliance burdens: minimum public liability insurance and financial reporting (ss 19, 20).","Regulation-making powers and cross-references to other Acts (Education Act, Electoral Act, Interpretation Act) increasing interpretive complexity (ss 3 note, 23D, 23O, 24).","Provisions allowing the Act to prevail over the constitution and ministerial delegation of functions create legal hierarchy and administrative discretion (ss 23Q, 23P)."],"plain_english_summary":"This Act keeps the Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of NSW running, sets how local P&C groups can incorporate, and establishes governance: a board, an executive committee and procedures for electing councillors and delegates. It also sets membership, insurance and reporting requirements for incorporated P&Cs.\n\nThe Minister can publish and (during a transition) amend the federation’s constitution and appoint an administrator with broad powers; elections are run for 16 electorates and their cost is met by the federation (see ss 9,16,3–6 Sch 2, 19, 23E, 23N)."},"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The legislation has grown significantly beyond simple incorporation. Originally focused on incorporating local P&C associations (Part 3), it was substantially expanded in 2014 to comprehensively restructure the Federation itself—adding detailed governance rules (Board, Executive Committee), election procedures (Part 3A), transitional administration powers, and complex relationships between the Act and a separately declared constitution. The 2014 amendments transformed it from a simple incorporation statute into a complete governance code for the statewide parent organisation."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple overlapping governance layers (Federation, Board, Executive Committee, local associations) with distinct roles","Extensive cross-referencing between the Act, the constitution (which is declared by Minister and can be amended), and the Education Act 1990","Transitional provisions (Schedule 2) creating a temporary 'administrator' period with special powers that override normal governance","Detailed procedural requirements for elections (16 electorates, specific eligibility criteria, voting methods)","Conditional logic regarding when certain provisions apply (e.g., transition period vs post-transition, administration period restrictions)","Dual incorporation framework (Federation continues as corporation; local associations may incorporate separately under this Act)"],"plain_english_summary":"This Act sets up the legal framework for **Parents and Citizens (P&C) Associations** in New South Wales public schools and the **Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of New South Wales** (the peak body representing them).\n\n**What it does:**\n\n*   **Establishes the Federation:** It continues the Federation as a legal entity (a corporation) that is **not** part of the NSW Government. The Federation's job is to promote public education, support local P&C associations, and represent parents' interests to the Department of Education.\n*   **Sets up governance:** It creates a **Board of Management** (made up of elected councillors) and an **Executive Committee** (up to 7 councillors elected by the Board) to run the Federation day-to-day.\n*   **Rules for elections:** It details how **councillors** (who sit on the Board) and **delegates** (who vote at the annual general meeting) are elected every two years from 16 geographic electorates covering all government schools.\n*   **Allows local P&C associations to incorporate:** It lets individual school P&C associations become legal entities (bodies corporate) separate from the Federation. This means they can own property, enter contracts, and sue or be sued in their own name. Once incorporated, they must join the Federation.\n*   **Protects volunteers:** It makes clear that committee members and officers aren't personally liable for the association's debts if they act in good faith.\n*   **Insurance requirements:** It requires incorporated associations to have public liability insurance (at least $20 million) unless the Federation covers them.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n\n*   Parents and guardians of children at NSW public schools who join their local P&C.\n*   Local P&C associations seeking legal status.\n*   The Federation and its elected representatives.\n*   The NSW Department of Education.\n\n**Why it matters:**\nIt gives parent bodies a clear legal structure, protects volunteers from personal financial risk, and ensures there's a democratic, statewide voice for parents in public education."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"summary":{"complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The scope has modestly expanded over time. The Act was originally named the 'Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of New South Wales Incorporation Act 1976', indicating it was focused solely on incorporating the state-wide peak body (the Federation). The renaming to 'Parents and Citizens Associations Incorporation Act 1976' suggests the law was broadened to cover individual school-level P&C Associations across NSW, not just the Federation — a meaningful widening of who benefits from the incorporation framework."},"complexity_factors":["Very narrow and specific purpose — incorporation of one category of community organisation","Only metadata and status information is available in this extract — no substantive provisions are visible to analyse","Limited regulatory framework with a single responsible minister","Minimal interaction with other legislative schemes beyond standard incorporation principles","Long-standing legislation with infrequent amendments, suggesting settled and stable legal content"],"plain_english_summary":"This law gives Parents and Citizens (P&C) Associations attached to NSW public schools — and their state federation — formal legal status as incorporated bodies. It lets these volunteer groups own property, hold funds, enter contracts and be sued as organisations rather than exposing individual members to personal liability. \n\nIt matters to parents, community members and the Federation because it enables proper financial and legal functioning of P&Cs."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/parents-and-citizens-associations-incorporation-act-1976","history":"/api/acts/parents-and-citizens-associations-incorporation-act-1976/history","analysis":"/api/acts/parents-and-citizens-associations-incorporation-act-1976/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/parents-and-citizens-associations-incorporation-act-1976/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/parents-and-citizens-associations-incorporation-act-1976/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/parents-and-citizens-associations-incorporation-act-1976/documents"}}