Australian co-operatives gather in Québec for international summit

14 October 2016

CEOs and leaders from Australia’s co-operative and mutual sector are this week gathering in Québec, Canada for the bi-annual gathering of global representatives from the sector. This year marks the largest Australian delegation to attend and participate the International Summit of Cooperatives.

“An issue which is experienced by co-operatives globally is the various barriers they face compared to other business models through poor regulation. Therefore the recent Senate inquiry in Australia has been of significant interest to the global co-operative sector”, said BCCM CEO, Melina Morrison.

“The 17 recommendations contained in the committee’s report, which received bipartisan support, are seen by the Australian sector as a roadmap for levelling the playing field for member owned businesses. Our international colleagues are interested to learn how a similar political result can be achieved in their jurisdiction”, added Ms Morrison.

Leading Australian co-operative businesses are featured at the event, including Australia’s largest grain exporter, CBH Group; automotive co-operative Capricorn Society; and the ACT based healthcare provider National Health Co-op.

Watch Who We Are – 2016 International Summit of Cooperatives
Read CBH combines co-operation with competition, The Australian
Read Joseph Stiglitz compares US conditions with USSR’s final days, The Australian
Read what the BCCM have been up to at the Summit

Commenting from the Summit, Andrew Crane, CEO CBH Group and BCCM Chair highlighted the significance of such a large travelling Australian delegation.

“Learning best practice from our international colleagues is very important to the Australian sector as it means we can then bring these new ideas, technologies and innovations back to our members and consumers for their benefit”, remarked Mr Crane.

“As co-operatives we are judged by the value we return to our members and the communities in which we operate. It is fantastic to see such a diverse group of Australian co-operatives coming to this peak forum to learn from the latest research and best practice of others on how to ensure cooperatives and mutual grow and prosper for the benefit of their members” concluded Mr Crane

The world’s largest 300 co-operatives and mutuals have grown their turnover by 7.2% to US$2.53tn according to the 2016 edition of the World Co-operative Monitor (WCM), which maps the global co-operative sector.