Year of Co-operatives Calls for Federal Support
5 July 2012 at 10:45 am
The Australian Secretariat for the International Year of Co-operatives has written to the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition seeking their views on co-operatives, as part the international day of co-operative action on 7 July.
The letter asks for the leaders’ views on the role of co-operatives in the national economy.
The letter said 7 July marks the most important day of the year for co-operative businesses – International Co-operative Day – and their recognition of the significant contribution of co-operative and mutual businesses to the national economy and social development would be widely applauded by the one billion owners of co-operative businesses globally and the estimated 7.5 million Australian co-operative and mutual members.
The letter signed by Greg Wall, the CEO of Capricorn Group and Chair of the National IYC 2012 Secretariat & Steering Committee said Australia has a strong tradition of co-operative and mutual organisations supporting communities that confront socio-economic disadvantage.
“This International Year provides a rare opportunity for co-operatives, credit unions, customer owned banks, mutuals and other forms of member-owned business to showcase their economic and social achievements, and to raise awareness about the important role they play in providing a competitive marketplace and promoting social responsibility.
“The national IYC 2012 campaign has been fully funded by the industry – the co-operative members of Australia – and focuses on our vision for sustainable growth into the future. The campaign aims to raise community awareness about socially responsible forms of business and the role they play in supporting local communities in Australia.
Both the PM and Opposition Leader were also given a Commemorative Coin in recognition and celebration of International Co-operative Day 2012.
