Solution to poles and wires is in our own backyard

25 March 2015

In an opinion piece published in the Sydney Morning Herald today, Melina Morrison, CEO of the BCCM, argues the strong case for the mutual models of asset ownership in the ongoing debate regarding the future of poles and wires in NSW.

Citing successful examples in the UK and New Zealand, Ms Morrison argues the case for this form of ownership pointing to the fact it gives ordinary citizens the chance for a real stake in the business, protects long-term public benefit,  keeps the profits at home and generates community wealth rather than focusing solely on individual capital gain as in the case of a public float. Essentially, mutuals embody the great Australian traditions of an equal say and a fair share of the pie.

Concluding, Ms Morrison states the claim to give “power to the people” through a partial mutualisation and highlights the upcoming federal Senate inquiry into the role of co-operatives, mutuals and member-owned businesses in the Australian economy as an opportunity to see these mutual options tabled more often in the future.