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Handling disputes and conflicts

Understanding the law involved will help your organisation have the best outcome.

Content last updated 19/11/2024

Disputes with members


  • a member (or members) of the organisation and the rest of the organisation 
  • a member (or members) of the organisation and the committee of management, or 
  • members of the committee of management (or board) 

  • what an ‘internal dispute’ in an incorporated association is and what to do when there is an internal dispute in your organisation 
  • how mediation can help resolve a dispute 
  • how closely you need to follow your organisation’s dispute resolution procedures, and 
  • other options if your organisation is in disarray and what kinds of internal disputes can be taken to court 


  • disciplinary action an incorporated association can take against a member 
  • the process to follow when an incorporated association removes or disciplines a member, and 
  • other options to resolve issues with members 

  • possible action before removing a member from the committee  
  • the process to follow when an incorporated association removes a committee member from the committee  
  • what happens once a committee member is removed, and
  • other options to resolve issues with a committee member

  • who, if anyone, is likely to get what they want by going to court? 
  • how much has the dispute cost so far, and how much more will your association spend if it goes to court? 
  • what will the personal costs of going to court be (for example, time, impact on people's lives, relationships and stress levels)? 
  • are there other alternatives (for example, resigning or starting another organisation)? 

Caution 

Seek legal advice before making a decision about what to do. 

  • things to try before going to court about an internal dispute  
  • what kinds of internal disputes can be taken to court  
  • what to do if someone takes legal action against your association 



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