Senate inquiry gets the green light

06 March 2015

On 2 March, the Federal Senate voted to hold an inquiry into the operation of co-operatives and mutuals in the Australian economy. The motion was jointly proposed by Victorian Senator Bridget McKenzie and South Australian Senator Nick Xenophon. Senator Xenophon flagged the push for an inquiry at the BCCM Leaders’ Summit last November.

“It has taken some months but I’m excited by this landmark opportunity to examine the contribution of co-operatives, mutuals and member owned businesses and the current barriers to innovation, growth and free competition,” said BCCM CEO, Melina Morrison.

The Economics References Committee is currently accepting submissions until 1 July. The committee is due to report by 30 November.

Read the Terms of Reference

Read the BCCM’s Press Release

Latest news

08 July 2026

New research explores the future of community wealth building in Australia

New research from SGS Economics and Planning and Neighbourhood Economics examines what is holding back wider adoption of community wealth building as a model of local...
06 July 2026

Co-operative housing activation: Building a new housing pathway in Australia

Work is underway through the BCCM to bring together co‑operative housing providers, mutual lenders and sector partners to explore and advance a new limited equity...
06 July 2026

Mutual Value MX research project to strengthen member experience

The BCCM in collaboration with Monash Business School is launching a new national research project, designed to help co-operatives and mutuals better understand members...