Guidelines for ministerial consent-restricted words and expressions-Starr Bowkett or friendly society

'Starr-Bowkett' and 'Friendly Society' are restricted expressions under Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the Names Determination.

Use of the expression 'Friendly Society’ (in relation to the conduct of a financial business) is restricted under Part 3 of Schedule 2 of the Names Determination, and use of the expression in a business name requires consent from the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority (APRA).

Starr-Bowkett societies are an old form of building society, their object is to provide loans to assist shareholders buy or build homes. They are regulated under State and Territory legislation, and are permitted to use the expression 'Starr-Bowkett' under the law under which they were incorporated or registered.

Criteria for the assessment of applications

Applicants seeking Ministerial consent to the use of the expressions ‘Starr Bowkett’ or ‘Friendly Society’ (not in relation to the conduct of a financial business) or words having a similar meaning in a proposed business name will need to demonstrate:

(a) the business is permitted under State or Territory legislation to use those words in carrying on business

(b) the business is related to another business that is required or permitted to use similar words in its name

(c) the relevant regulatory authorities in the jurisdictions where the applicant proposes to operate have consented to the use of these words in the applicant’s proposed name.

When considering an application for consent to the use of the expression 'Friendly Society', ASIC must obtain the consent of APRA.

When considering an application for consent to the use of the expression 'Starr Bowkett', ASIC may consult and obtain the views of APRA.

Further links	Description
Business Names Registration Act 2011	This Act details the legislative framework for business names in Australia.
Business Names Registration (Availability of Names) Determination 2015	This Determination provides the rules for determining whether proposed business names are identical or nearly identical, restricted words and expressions, and the kinds of names that are undesirable.