A strong economy: It’s everyone’s business

26 September 2022

Blueprint for an enterprising Victoria

The BCCM has launched its policy blueprint for the Victorian election. The blueprint calls on all political parties to commit to four measures that will support the growth of co-operatives and mutuals in the State:

• Create a co-operatives and mutuals unit in an industry-focused department
• Appoint a Minister for co-operatives and mutuals in that department
• A Victorian co-operative and mutual business development plan
• A single national regulator for co-operatives

Co-operatives and mutual enterprises (CMEs) help to build an economy that is as strong, resilient and inclusive as the people of Victoria. They do this by mobilising the sense of collaboration and common purpose that exists between businesses and communities across the State.

The combined total gross revenue of the top 10 Victorian co-operatives and mutuals is $6.25 billion. CMEs are crucial as a generator of jobs and incomes across many industries from financial services, healthcare and agriculture to retail, motoring and manufacturing. As facilitators of small and medium sized business profitability co-ops provide Victorians with access to competitively priced and high-quality goods. Co-ops and mutuals deliver essential services in housing, aged and disability care, Indigenous services, culture and the arts, childcare and education.

There now needs to be a new spirit of co-operation between the Victorian people, its government and the co-operative and mutual movement. Working towards the common goal of strengthening the business operating environment will help to release the full potential of these people-centred businesses to do good for Victoria and its people.