Assistant Treasurer Dr Daniel Mulino MP visits co‑operative housing in Melbourne

30 March 2026

A visit by Assistant Treasurer Dr Daniel Mulino MP to Common Equity Housing Limited (CEHL) in Melbourne provided a timely opportunity to showcase the enduring value of the co‑operative housing model and its role in delivering stable, community‑led housing outcomes.

Hosted at Keilor Housing Co‑operative, within Dr Mulino’s electorate, the visit brought together co‑operative members, sector leaders and policymakers to explore how co‑operative housing works in practice and why it remains a proven part of Australia’s housing landscape.

Co‑operative housing in action

The visit was hosted in the home of Stephanie, a director of Keilor Housing Co‑operative, offering a lived example of how co‑operative housing operates beyond theory or policy design. The discussion highlighted how the model delivers permanent tenure, shared responsibility and a strong sense of community, while enabling members to have real agency in their housing.

Members of the Keilor co‑operative spoke about their housing journeys, the benefits of working collectively and the long‑term security that comes from co‑operative ownership and governance. The conversation underscored that co‑operative housing is not simply about bricks and mortar, but about building resilient communities grounded in mutual responsibility and connection.

With CEHL marking 40 years of operation, the visit also served as a reminder that co‑operative housing is both values‑driven and well‑established, with a long track record of delivering stable outcomes at scale.

Policy engagement and funding pathways

During the visit, BCCM discussed its ongoing work with mutual banks and other member‑owned institutions to explore sustainable funding models that can support the growth of co‑operative and community‑led housing.

Dr Mulino engaged actively throughout the visit, asking thoughtful questions about how CEHL and its housing co‑operatives operate, what distinguishes the co‑operative model from other forms of housing provision and the role co‑operatives can play within Australia’s broader housing system. The genuine interest shown in the policy and practical dimensions of co‑operative housing was encouraging and reinforced the importance of continued dialogue between government and the sector.

Connecting local experience to national reform

Visits such as this play an important role in connecting lived experience with national policy conversations. Co‑operative and mutual models already serve millions of Australians across banking, insurance, agriculture, health and housing, demonstrating that member‑owned enterprises are capable of delivering essential services at scale while remaining accountable to the communities they serve.

As housing affordability and security remain pressing challenges, co‑operative housing offers a proven, community‑led option that aligns with long‑term policy objectives around stability, participation and shared prosperity.

Acknowledgements

BCCM thanks Common Equity Housing Limited and the members of Keilor Housing Co‑operative for their generous welcome and for sharing their experiences so openly. We also acknowledge and thank Assistant Treasurer Dr Daniel Mulino MP for taking the time to engage directly with the sector.

BCCM further acknowledges CEHL Managing Director Elizabeth Thomas, former CEHL Board member Tony De Domenico OAM, and all those who contributed to making the visit a meaningful exchange.

BCCM looks forward to continuing to work with government, members and partners to strengthen co‑operative and mutual solutions that deliver lasting benefits for communities across Australia.