A dispute can arise between:
- a member and another member
- a member and the co-operative.
Grievance procedure
A grievance procedure for resolving disputes must be included in the co-operative rules. The procedure must allow for natural justice to be applied.
A member may appoint any person to act on their behalf during the grievance procedure.
The Board is responsible for the conduct of employees of the co-operative. If a member has a complaint against an employee, the member must raise the issue with the Board.
Mediation
Co-operatives can also try resolving disputes by involving a third party, such as the , or by seeking legal advice. To find an appropriate solicitor, contact the .
Application to the Magistrates' Court
A member or the co-operative can make an application to the Magistrates' Court for an order that declares or enforces:
- the rights or obligations of members of the co-operatives between themselves
- the rights or obligations of the co-operative and any member between themselves.
Oppressive conduct
The Registrar or a member of the co-operative can make an application to the Supreme Court if they believe the co-operative is conducting business in a way that is:
- oppressive or unfairly prejudicial or discriminatory against a member
- contrary to the interests of all the members.
The Supreme Court may make a range of orders, including:
- making amendments to a co-operative's rules
- requiring the co-operative or a person to do a specified thing
- appointing an administrator for a co-operative
- winding up a co-operative.
The Registrar
The Registrar can take action on any breaches of the Co-operatives National Law; however, the Registrar does not conciliate disputes between members, or between members and a co-operative under its rules.