Accessing co-operatives public records
Access NSW Fair Trading’s Public Register to request co-operative documents, pay required fees, and ensure privacy protection under the Co-operatives National Law.
The public can access documents about co-operatives lodged with NSW Fair Trading on the Public Register. However, they must pay the required fee.
The documents on the Register are listed in The Co-operatives National Law. It is under Regulation 8.2 of the Co-operatives National Regulations.
The Co-operative Housing and Starr-Bowkett Societies Act 1998. The available documents are set out under Regulation 16 of the Co-operative Housing and Starr-Bowkett Societies Regulation 2020.
Search request form
To get copies of lodged documents, complete the relevant search request form:
Note that pre-paid account holders must contact NSW Fair Trading for the form.
Once you complete the form, follow these steps:
- Lodge with NSW Fair Trading:
- send by post to PO Box 22, Bathurst NSW 2795, or
- email registrysearches@customerservice.nsw.gov.au
- Once received, you will be contacted within 3-5 working days about your request. There is no obligation to proceed with the search request. The sought documents may change during this time.
- Once we quote your search request, you must pay within 28 days.
- Follow the steps outlined under “How to pay” on the form you completed.
When payment is received, the search results will be forwarded to you by email or post.
Need more information?
For queries about inspecting co-operatives or co-operative housing societies, contact:
Email: registrysearches@customerservice.nsw.gov.au or freecall 1800 502 042.
Privacy and personal information
The public can search the Register for personal details. Only details in documents lodged by co-operatives or co-operative housing societies are searchable. Fees apply for this service.
NSW Fair Trading must inform persons that their personal information on the Register may be made public. This is under Section 10 of the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998. Fair Trading only collects information for lawful purposes according to appropriate laws.
The Privacy Act allows NSW Fair Trading to withdraw personal information from the Public Register if it may affect someone's safety or well-being.
To remove personal information, please see our privacy statement or contact us.