Political parties commit to co-operative and mutual sector

21 June 2016

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 affecting member-owned co-operatives and mutuals, and use the COAG agenda to review State and Territory legislation.

Commenting on the announcement, BCCM CEO, Melina Morrison stated the Council was delighted to hear of Labor’s commitment to the sector.

“We don’t want a hand out, we just want equal treatment before the law and in regulation in terms of the business models. Currently what is happening is that either, by design or by omission, they are often left out of government business advice that’s paid for by the taxpayer”, added Ms Morrison.

The recent Senate inquiry into the sector, chaired by Senator Ketter, showed the opportunity to potentially release billions of dollars for economic development with only minor reforms to legislative and regulatory requirements needed.

This follows a similar commitment by the Nationals Party to ensure all 17 recommendations of the Senate Economics References Committee are implemented by the next government, and a co-operative policy announced by the Nick Xenophon Team.

The Greens have also committed to changes in federal and state legislation and regulation to better support co-operative and mutual businesses. The Senate inquiry report was bipartisan, and as such was supported by the Liberal Party.

Read the BCCM’s Election Policy.