Co-op sector calls on new Albanese ministry to focus on competition reform

13 May 2025

The Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM) today congratulated the Albanese Government on the formation of its new Ministry and welcomed the opportunity to bring forward essential reforms that will improve living standards for all Australians and help ease the housing crisis.

BCCM Chief Executive Melina Morrison said in particular she looked forward to working the new assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, Dr Daniel Mulino, to bring forward competition reforms that will unlock the potential of co-ops and mutuals, and thanked Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Assistant Minister Dr Andrew Leigh for their continued engagement and leadership in supporting reform for member-owned businesses.

“There has never been a more timely opportunity to bring mutuals into the heart of economic and social policy,” said Ms Morrison. She noted the $43 billion co-op sector is already working actively with the Government to provide aged care services in rural and regional Australia through the Care Together program while BCCM members such as Common Equity Housing Ltd (CEHL) are also providing sustainable and equitable housing to thousands of people who are now able to secure long term accommodation while paying an agreed and reasonable rent based on their current income.

“As other governments, such as the UK, move to double the size of their mutual sectors, Australia too has the chance to make co-ops and mutuals central to our inclusive growth agenda,” Ms Morrison said.

The BCCM welcomes the continuation of the Hon Clair O’Neil as Minister for Housing, and the appointment of the Hon Sam Rae as Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, both crucial areas affecting the living standards of Australians and ones in which the co-op sector can make a fundamental difference.

“We look forward to discussions with the Albanese Government to bring co-op housing to the forefront of the affordable housing market,” Ms Morrison said. “Our ambition is for co-op housing to be 10 per cent of the market, up from less than one per cent.”

Co-operatives and mutuals are always domestically owned and controlled, employing Australians and reinvesting in their communities. In a time of global uncertainty, they are delivering in the national interest across critical sectors:

• Co-operative Bulk Handling secures local ownership of Australia’s grain exports
• Hunternet drives sovereign capability through advanced manufacturing networks in regional NSW
• Housing and care co-operatives are meeting needs in underserved communities
• Mutual banks offer people-first alternatives in financial services
• Shared logistics co-ops support independent food retailers in concentrated markets
• Motoring mutuals such as NRMA and RAC WA provide roadside assistance to millions of Australians
• Agricultural co-operatives such as those in macadamia and rock lobster exports generate local jobs and export earnings

“For more than a century, co-operatives and mutuals have acted where need is greatest. As we face new economic and social challenges, the BCCM looks forward to working with the Albanese Government to grow the sector and deliver on a fairer, more resilient economy,” Ms Morrison said.