AUSTRALIA'S ONLY PEAK BODY FOR
ALL COOPS + MUTUALS
What we do – AN OVERVIEW
The BCCM works hard to identify and remove barriers to fair competition and innovation for Australian co-operative and mutual enterprises (CMEs) by improving awareness of the important contribution of these businesses to the economy and community.
We work with governments, regulators and
We work closely with the ACCC so that discussion about competitive markets includes the co-operative and mutual business model.
We work with the AASB so changes to accounting standards don’t have a negative effect on member businesses.
We work with universities, professional bodies, AICD and the Governance Institute of Australia to make sure that courses in law, accounting, commerce and governance include the co-operative and mutual business model.
In 2015 and 2016 we advocated for and steered a Federal Senate inquiry into the sector’s contribution to the economy, so members could speak directly to lawmakers. The BCCM leveraged this momentum to secure:
- A Parliamentary Friends of Mutuals and Co-operatives group, co-chaired by Hon Kevin Hogan MP and Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP. This bipartisan endorsement gives members a direct voice into government.
- A
co-operatives policy for a number of political parties. - The $14 million federal government co-operatives pilot project, Farming Together
- New free online tools for starting a co-operative, The Co-op Builder
The BCCM worked with project partners to reform capital-raising opportunities through the Hammond Review. This has paved the way for capital-raising opportunities for mutual businesses – another Australian first by the BCCM.
Giving businesses the choice to operate as a co-operative or mutual needs the regulatory regimes to fit. The BCCM has successfully delivered:
- CME Governance Principles (edition 1.2), in conjunction with the CME 100 Chairs’ Forum
- A number of submissions – with our members – to government inquiries that led to amended legislation to level the playing field
- The BCCM leadership, and its members, are highly sought after in the international community. We regularly lead discussions at international conventions and recommend appropriate members for these conversations.
- Secured amendment to the Corporations Act to define mutuals and allow for Mutual Capital Instruments in April 2019
- Delivered the Capital Partners Program for members in 2020.
- Delivered the Mutual Value Measurement Framework
- $2.5 million Co-operative Farming program providing education and resources for farmers, fishers and foresters to form and grow their co-ops, including new Capital Builder tool, Co-operative Conversations series and education bursary program.
- Secured adoption of Co-operatives National Law by Queensland in 2020, completing national harmonisation of co-operative legislation
- Host a range of member networking forums including Chairs’ Forum, Secretaries Forum, Discretionary Risk Mutuals Forum and Mutual Value Measurement community of practice
- Deliver sector research including the annual National Mutual Economy Report and a series of reports on the promotion of inclusive employment in the CME sector
The Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM) is Australia’s peak body for co-operatives and mutuals across all industries.
Co-operatives, mutuals and member-owned businesses unite under the BCCM banner with the common objective of increasing awareness of these business models.
Together, we highlight the important contribution of these businesses to the national economy and community development of Australia and improve the business environment for all CMEs.
We do this through promotion, advocacy, networking and education.