How Big is the Australian Co-operative and Mutual Sector?

10 November 2017

Tracking the size and contribution of the co-operative and mutual (CME) sector in Australia is difficult – the government does not track it, and there is no agreed upon definition of a member-owned firm in Australia. The BCCM, in conjunction with the University of Western Australia, has been working to rectify this and has been gathering statistics on the sector since 2014.

This is the first year a ‘total value added’ figure has been produced for CMEs measuring the contribution the sector makes to GDP.

Professor Morris Altman, Dean and Head, Newcastle Business School, has crunched the numbers and found that CMEs contribute $140 billion in value added – 8% of GDP!

See Professor Morris Altman’s paper, The Size of Australia’s Co-operative and Mutual Sector.

Latest news

04 February 2026

BCCM calls for federal budget support to accelerate co-operatives and mutuals

The BCCM has released its 2026–27 pre-budget submission calling for federal budget support for co-operatives and mutuals.
29 January 2026

Fan ownership model supports long-term future for the Central Coast Mariners – as featured on ABC Central Coast

In an interview with Scott Levi on ABC Central Coast, BCCM CEO Melina Morrison spoke about how a fan‑based co‑operative could support the long-term future of the...
27 January 2026

Service to co-ops and mutuals recognised in Australia Day 2026 Honours List

Congratulations to these outstanding people on being recognised in the 2026 Honours List. Your service and achievements shine a light on the co-operative and...