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

03 June 2026

Applications open for round five of The Bunya Fund

The Bunya Fund has opened applications for its fifth round, offering in kind grants to support early-stage co-operatives and mutuals.
03 June 2026

The BCCM contributes Australian perspective at the United Nations

The symposium brought together global leaders to examine the role of co‑operative financial institutions in building inclusive and equitable economies.
25 May 2026

Seven truths about co-operatives and mutuals in a changing economy

The Social Value of Mutuals, developed with Mutuo, argues that corporate diversity is a systemic economic asset for nation states.