CEO roundtable focuses on economic pressures, competition and the future of mutual value

19 June 2026

The BCCM CEO Strategy Roundtable brought together chief executives from across the co‑operative and mutual sector for a focused discussion on the economic environment, competition settings and the future of member‑owned business.

Melina Morrison, Chief Executive Officer, Business Council of Co‑operatives and Mutuals, opened the roundtable with an acknowledgement of the sector’s strong performance on trust, and the ongoing challenge of measuring and communicating that value more clearly.

The discussion moved to the economic outlook, with Dr Michael Plumb, Head of Economic Analysis, Reserve Bank of Australia, providing an update on inflation, interest rates and global conditions. Discussion with CEOs focused on the practical implications for member‑owned businesses, including cost pressures, demand and planning in a volatile environment.

Attention then turned to competition and regulation. Gina Cass‑Gottlieb, Chair, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, outlined current priorities, including merger reforms and consumer protection. The conversation with participants focused on how regulatory settings are affecting co‑operative and mutual businesses and where settings may not reflect the member‑owned model.

The roundtable then shifted to broader economic pressures across the sector. Saul Eslake, Independent Economist and Principal, Corinna Economic Advisory, led a discussion on the combined impact of energy costs, interest rates and inflation. CEOs reflected on balancing cost pressures with member value, and the need to maintain long‑term strategy while responding to near‑term conditions.

In the afternoon, the focus moved to the sector itself with the launch of the 2026 National Mutual Economy Report presented by report partner Kevin Keane, Chief Operating Officer, HCF. Discussion centred on the scale and performance of co‑operatives and mutuals, alongside the need to strengthen how the sector measures and communicates its value, including social outcomes.

The roundtable also included a presentation recognising Bank First on achieving Mutual Value Measurement Accreditation. The accreditation acknowledges the organisation’s commitment to measuring and communicating the full value it creates for members and the community. Developed by the BCCM in partnership with Monash Business School, the Mutual Value Measurement Framework provides a common approach for co‑operatives and mutuals to articulate both financial and social value.

Professor Hans Groeneveld, Professor of Financial Co‑operatives, Tilburg University, spoke about demonstrating competitive advantage through evidence and data, particularly in concentrated markets.

This was followed by Peter Hunt MBE, Managing Partner, Mutuo, who shared international perspectives on policy, capital and sector growth, including the role of policy recognition in shaping regulatory and market outcomes.