Media Releases
2016 National Mutual Economy Report: Top 100 CMEs grow by 4%
Top 100 co-operative and mutual enterprises (CMEs) combined turnover $30.5 billion (FY2014/15), with combined assets of $143.7 billion Top 100 member-owned companies turn over increasing by 4% per annum – and 18% over a five-year period Three Australian CMEs ranked in IBISWorld Top 10 The 2016 National Mutual Economy Report launched today at the BCCM […]
Australian co-operatives gather in Québec for international summit
CEOs and leaders from Australia’s co-operative and mutual sector are this week gathering in Québec, Canada for the bi-annual gathering of global representatives from the sector. This year marks the largest Australian delegation to attend and participate the International Summit of Cooperatives. “An issue which is experienced by co-operatives globally is the various barriers they […]
Banking customers urged to take action with #switchnotbitch challenge
The Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM) has urged Australian consumers to proactively take matters into their own hands on the issue of banks profits and culture. Launching a playful social media campaign “#switchnotbitch”, the Council aims to prod consumers to shop around for alternative trustworthy banking choices. “What we often don’t hear is the idea […]
IBISWorld’s Top 500 index shows ninja economy punching above weight
Today the IBISWorld’s 2016 Top 500 index of privately-owned companies was released with the co-operative and mutual sector again demonstrating its economic strength and importance to Australia. A repeat of last year, three BCCM members make up the Top 10: CBH Group (2), Devondale Murray Goulburn (7) and HCF (9). In total, 14 co-operative and […]
Agricultural co-operatives take centre stage at national forum
Today marks the first day of a two day national forum bringing together the agricultural sector to provide providing farmers with knowledge and materials on co-operatives, collective bargaining and other forms of collaboration. The BCCM is playing a central role at the forum with Melina Morrison, BCCM CEO hosting a roundtable workshop discussing how the recommendations […]
Victorian Nationals endorses new policy to support CMEs
The BCCM has welcomed the adoption of a new policy by the Victorian Nationals aimed at strengthening the role of co-operatives and mutual enterprises (CMEs) in Australia. The policy calls for wide-ranging legislative reform including new capital raising measures and the establishment of a single national regulator for the CME sector. Passed by the Victorian National’s […]
Political parties commit to co-operative and mutual sector
The ALP has this morning released a statement pledging the party’s commitment to levelling the playing field for member-owned co-operatives and mutuals. The release by The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Shadow Treasurer and Senator Chris Ketter, Chair, Senate Economics Committee, stated that if elected, a Shorten Labor Government would review existing federal legislation and regulations […]
2016 Federal Election: Co-operative policy for a more resilient economy
Going into the election, the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals is commending a few policy changes to all political parties. The concerns addressed here are shared by all parties and the solutions would lead to a stronger, more resilient Australian economy. In short, they are: Wind back red tape to allow start-up businesses, where […]
Budget lays the foundations for quality jobs and sustainable growth beyond human resources
The Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals welcomes the measures announced in the 2016 Federal Budget to support employee share schemes, self-employment, and entrepreneurship among youth. “In today’s gig economy, we are setting people up for repeated joblessness unless they are able to take greater control over their place in the workforce, by becoming co-invested, financially […]
Game changing boost for agricultural co-ops
BCCM CEO, Melina Morrison speaking to the media at the launch of the program with Acting PM Joyce and Kevin Hogan MP. The BCCM has today welcomed the announcement by the Federal government of a $13.8 million education pilot aimed at improving farmers’ access to information on setting up and running co-operative businesses. The Farm Co-operatives and Collaboration […]
