18 September 2025
- Co-ops uniquely structured to deliver social and economic benefits
- Queensland’s 200 co-ops and mutuals turnover more than $6.2 billion
Co-operatives and mutuals are committed to expanding their presence in Queensland’s economy under the State Government’s new social impact agenda, the head of the sector said today.
Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM) chief executive Melina Morrison, speaking at a Queensland Parliament breakfast event attended by senior government and opposition politicians, said the co-ops sector has a track record of building socially responsible businesses.
“Co-operatives are uniquely structured to deliver social and economic good, putting people at the centre and making profits serve purpose,” Ms Morrison said.
Ms Morrison noted a recent Centre for Social Impact research report, which found that co-ops and mutuals are a significant component of Australia’s social economy.
“Our movement, in all its diversity, is an ideal partner for the Queensland Government’s social impact agenda.
The Queensland Government this year unveiled a new Office of Social Impact and has committed $20 million annually to the Social Entrepreneurs’ Fund.
The Hon David Janetzki MP, Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership, said: “I spent 10 years of my career working in the mutual sector and know firsthand the vital role mutuals play in building community, delivering value for customers and offering competition to big multi-nationals and corporates.”
Ms Morrison pointed to Queensland’s more than 200 co-ops and mutuals, which collectively have 3.2 million memberships, directly employ more than 15,000 people and have turnover of more than $6.2 billion. The total turnover of Australia’s top 100 co-ops and mutuals is $47.7 billion.
“Co-ops distribute wealth equitably through their shared ownership models; this makes them very well suited to local economic growth and building strong, engaged and tolerant communities,” she said.
Among Queensland’s largest mutuals is RACQ, which has grown from a motoring club into Queensland’s largest member-owned organisation, providing roadside assistance, insurance, banking, solar, automotive and travel services.
With 1.7 million members, RACQ reinvests profits into member benefits, advocacy, resilience projects and road safety.
RACQ CEO, David Carter, said “As a mutual, our advocacy is driven by community need, not shareholder returns. Because that is what mutuals do, we advocate for improvements to make our society better, and we partner with government, and other organisations to make this happen.”
Another Queensland icon, Great Southern Bank, founded in 1966 though tracing its roots back a further twenty years through the Catholic Thrift and Loan Co-operative, is now one of Australia’s largest customer-owned banks, with a purpose to help all Australians own their own home.
Great Southern Bank CEO, Paul Lewis, said the bank – tracing its origins back to 1946 and created through a series of mergers between like-minded credit unions and community groups – has always been built on the simple idea of “people helping people.”
“That cooperative spirit still drives us at Great Southern Bank today. Together with our community partners, we are improving access to affordable housing, upgrading community homes, and helping ease cost-of-living pressures.
“As we look ahead, our strength lies in working together – as mutuals, as co-operatives, and as partners with government – together championing a fairer way of doing business.”
Qld’s top co-ops and mutuals
| Top Ten Co-ops and Mutuals | Turnover | Assets | National Ranking |
| RACQ | $2,329,098,000 | $5,666,156,000 | 5 |
| People First bank | $1,320,600,000 | $24,474,900,000 | 3 |
| Great Southern Bank | $996,900,000 | $20,029,800,000 | 11 |
| TUH Health Fund | $227,579,530 | $200,285,954 | 41 |
| Qld Country Bank | $185,802,000 | $3,303,287,000 | |
| Institute for Urban Indigenous health | $144,082,394 | $120,842,342 | 60 |
| Central Sugar mill Company | $132,269,000 | $56,040,000 | 65 |
| Bundaberg Friendly Society Medical Institute | $87,428,439 | $80,909,003 | 85 |
| Cowboys Leagues Club | $80,324,125 | $89,608,564 | 91 |
Media enquiries
Ian Pemberton P&L Corporate Communications 0402 256 576
About the BCCM
The BCCM is the national peak body for Australia’s $47.7 billion co-operative and mutual sector. Co-ops and mutuals provide essential services and affordable pricing to their members across the economy from banking, insurance and superannuation to retail, agriculture, health, social care and housing. One in eight Australians are members of a co-op or mutual.
More information
- Read RACQ CEO David Carter’s speech
- Read Great Southern Bank Paul Lewis’ speech
- Read Queensland co-ops plan for growth under state’s social impact agenda, Co-op News
- Watch the BCCM’s We are Iconic: Qld Co op and Mutual Icons video
- Meet our Qld and Australian icons on the BCCM’s IYC 2025 Australia website
- Browse the Great Southern Bank and RACQ – BCCM Icons Breakfast (Qld) photo gallery on Flickr
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