NSW Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer champions the Power of Co in Parliament

23 March 2026

The Parliamentary Secretary to the NSW Treasurer, David Mehan MP, Member for The Entrance, has delivered a strong endorsement of Australia’s co‑operative and mutual enterprises in the NSW Parliament, acknowledging the Business Council of Co‑operatives and Mutuals for its national leadership and advocacy.

In his address, Mr Mehan highlighted the long history of co‑operation from the 1844 Rochdale pioneers to the modern co‑operative and mutual enterprises operating across banking, insurance, agriculture and social services. He emphasised that democratic ownership and community benefit remain core to the model’s success.

Mr Mehan noted the scale and significance of the sector in New South Wales, where more than 750 co‑operatives and mutuals contribute billions in revenue, employ tens of thousands of people and count more than 5.6 million people as member‑owners. He named organisations such as HCF, Teachers Mutual Bank, Newcastle Greater Mutual Group, NRMA and Norco as examples of large, successful member‑owned businesses headquartered in the State.

He also recognised the role of co‑operatives in regional communities, where locally owned enterprises reinvest in local economies and sustain essential services.

Reflecting on national reforms such as the 2015 Senate inquiry, the Hammond Review and the Treasury Laws Amendment (Mutual Reforms) Act 2019, Mr Mehan called for continued policy leadership from NSW as the host jurisdiction for the Co‑operatives National Law. Strengthening the legislative environment, he said, will support the sector to further contribute to productivity, competition and community resilience.

The BCCM welcomes Mr Mehan’s strong support for co‑operative and mutual enterprises and his recognition of the sector’s potential to drive economic and social value across the State. We look forward to working with the NSW Government on the next phase of reform to help member‑owned enterprises reach their full potential.

Read David Mehan MP’s full speech in the NSW Parliament.