Unprecedented opportunity for the co-operative sector

29 October 2015

Today, the Federal Senate Economics References Committee begins two days of public hearings as part of its inquiry into the role, importance, and overall performance of co-operatives, mutual and member-owned firms in the Australian economy.

The committee today will hear evidence from 16 groups from the agriculture, banking and motorist mutual sectors, as well as community co-operatives in the education, energy and Indigenous areas. View today’s programme.

Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals CEO, Melina Morrison acknowledged the importance of these two days of hearings for the sector.

“This inquiry is an unprecedented opportunity to look at the challenges our sector faces and make recommendations on how they can be remedied so that these important businesses can get on with the job of serving members and meeting the needs of the communities around the country who not only benefit from them, but who also own them.

Tomorrow, the public hearings will move to Melbourne where the BCCM are among a number of witnesses who will give evidence to the committee members. View tomorrow’s programme.