On 2 March 2015, Senator Nick Xenophon and Senator Bridget McKenzie referred an inquiry to the Economics Reference Committee to examine the contribution made by co-operative, mutual and member-owned firms to the Australian Economy. The successful vote of the Senate for this inquiry to take place immediately, reporting on 14th May 2015, is the result of many months of advocacy efforts on the part of the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals and we are excited to see that the sector will now be given a prominent stage on which to discuss our role in the economy, and what can be done to assist the sector to grow.
It is vitally important that collectively, we take this opportunity to make submissions directly addressing the inquiry Terms of Reference. Over the coming weeks, the BCCM will be working closely with members and the sector more broadly to ensure that our sector makes submissions of exceptional quality which align, where possible, with key messaging developed by the Council and our sector bodies. Collaborating in this way, we can leverage our scale from a consistent messaging and evidence base.
To assist with the preparation of submissions, please see our briefing document including the Terms of Reference for the inquiry, key suggested messaging and a call to action. Once the submission deadline passes, witnesses may be called to a hearing or hearings to provide further evidence.
Given the short timeline, I encourage you to make your submissions in the next four weeks. When a deadline for submissions is made public, I will inform the sector.
Please do not hesitate to contact the BCCM office at any point over the coming weeks if you have any queries in relation to your submission or the inquiry more broadly.
On behalf of the Council I thank you for your input and efforts in relation to this exciting opportunity to forefront the important role of our businesses in the national economy.
Kind regards,
Melina Morrison
Chief Executive Officer
