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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’ 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 BCCM’s 2023 Blueprint for an enterprising nation ‘A strong economy: It’s every Australian’s business’ to find out more about our current policies. You can also download our state-based blueprints:

BCCM policies

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Co-operative and Mutual Climate Policy

Co-operative and mutual enterprises are coming together to accelerate action towards tackling climate change: BCCM declaration and policy.
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Blueprint for an enterprising nation (2024)

Read the BCCM’s 2024 Blueprint for an enterprising nation ‘A strong economy: It’s every Australian’s business’ to find out more about our current policies.
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BCCM’s Housing Blueprint

The BCCM is calling on all political parties to work with the sector to develop equity and share equity models of co-operatives housing that can give more Australians access to secure and affordable...
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Blueprint for an enterprising NSW (2024)

The BCCM has launched its policy blueprint for NSW calls on all political parties to commit to four measures to support the growth of co-operatives and mutuals in the State.
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Blueprint for an enterprising Victoria (2024)

The BCCM’s policy blueprint for Victoria calls on all political parties to commit to four measures to support the growth of co-operatives and mutuals in the State.
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Blueprint for an enterprising Queensland (2024)

The BCCM’s policy blueprint for Queensland calls on all political parties to commit to four measures to support the growth of co-operatives and mutuals in the State.
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Blueprint for an enterprising South Australia (2024)

The BCCM’s policy blueprint for South Australia calls on all political parties to commit to four measures to support the growth of co-operatives and mutuals in the State.
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Blueprint for an enterprising Western Australia (2024)

The BCCM’s policy blueprint for Western Australia calls on all political parties to commit to four measures to support the growth of co-operatives and mutuals in the State.
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Blueprint for an enterprising Tasmania (2024)

The BCCM’s policy blueprint for Tasmania calls on all political parties to commit to four measures to support the growth of co-operatives and mutuals in the State.