Parlimentarians show support for co-ops and mutuals at launch of Parliamentary Friends

15 February 2023

The first meeting of federal Parliamentary Friends of Co-operatives and Mutuals in the new Parliament, was held yesterday at Australian Parliament House. It was followed by a lunchtime BBQ featuring co-operative produce from Yenda, Almondco and OzGroup.

The lunchtime launch was attended by 100 people including parliamentarians, advisors, regulators and our members. The education forum featured presentations on the national CME sector from BCCM CEO, Melina Morrison and a spotlight on mutual ADIs by COBA CEO Mike Lawrence. HCF, CEHL, Kudos Services, Beyond Bank and Defence Bank provided insights on their businesses and how they benefit members and society to around forty people including senior departmental staff, regulators, parliamentarians, and advisors.

Parliamentary Friends of Co-operatives and Mutuals was formed in 2017 after the Senate inquiry into co-operatives and mutuals handed down a bipartisan report on the barriers to competition, growth and opportunity for Australia’s co-operative and mutual sector. The group fosters political support for co-ops and mutuals across the political parties, holding biannual meetings at Parliament House. The group’s co-Chairs in the 47th Parliament are Ms Louise Miller-Frost MP and the Hon Kevin Hogan MP.

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