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Policies

Equal treatment for all business models

The BCCM works to ensure government and regulators understand the purpose of co-operatives and mutuals and how they benefit society. We advocate for a policy environment that enables co-operatives and mutuals to compete fairly with other business models.

The BCCM steered the 2016 Federal Senate inquiry into the sector’s contribution to the economy which made 17 recommendations to reform the operating environment for co-ops and mutuals.

Following the Government’s response, then Treasurer, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, ordered The Hammond Review to examine barriers to access to capital for the sector. In 2019, the BCCM secured amendments to the Corporations Act to define mutuals and allow for Mutual Capital Instruments.

Policy aims

  1. Consistent and appropriate legislation and regulation of co-operatives and mutuals
  2. Equal attention, encouragement and support from Government as other business models
  3. Clear political responsibility for co-operatives and mutuals at all levels of government
  4. Statutory duty for regulators to maintain corporate diversity
  5. Co-operative and mutual education in accounting, business, commerce, economics and law

Blueprint for an enterprising nation

The Blueprint for an enterprising nation ‘Delivering more for Australians’ is the BCCM’s policy platform for governments to support a strong economy with a strong co-operative and mutual sector. The business environment for co-operatives and mutuals has improved but there is still much to be done.

Australians need more opportunities to share in the wealth and prosperity that the nation creates.

At a time when the cost of living dominates the thoughts of many Australian consumers and small business owners, the next Federal Government has the opportunity to increase competition and make smaller businesses more profitable.

By promoting co-operatives and mutuals across the entire economy, the Government will help to create wealth and to spread it on a more equitable basis for a fairer, better value Australia.

The ‘Blueprint for an Enterprising Nation’ is the BCCM’s policy platform for governments to support a strong economy with a strong co-operative and mutual sector. The business environment for co-operatives and mutuals has improved but there is still much to be done.

Download the BCCM’s three-page Blueprint for an enterprising nation ‘Delivering more for Australians’ to find out more about our current policies,

Other BCCM Blueprints