Discussion Paper: Co-operatives and Mutuals as Social Enterprises

This discussion paper, published by the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM), argues that co-operatives and mutuals should be recognised as social enterprises. It traces the co-operative movement's history and shows how co-operatives meet widely used definitions of social enterprise, including the FASES definition adopted by Social Traders.

The paper argues co-operatives and mutuals are already a large part of Australia's social economy, with eight in ten Australians belonging to at least one, and that their obligations to member benefit and democratic governance make separate accreditation unnecessary. Its key conclusions are:

• co-operatives and mutuals should generally be considered social enterprises
• policymakers should include them in social enterprise and procurement policy, and
• existing registration processes should confirm eligibility, not new accreditation systems

It's useful for policymakers, sector bodies and co-operative or mutual leaders interested in social enterprise policy.