Australia's Top 100 Co-operatives, Credit Unions and Mutuals in 2010

Last Updated on Wednesday, 08 September 2010 03:04 Written by David Griffiths Wednesday, 08 September 2010 02:02

Co-operatives Australia has published a 2nd top 100 list of co-operatives, credit unions and mutuals by annual turnover.  Industries represented in the top 100 list include agriculture, financial services, insurance and retailing. The list demonstrates the economic and social impact of social businesses in Australia - part of a fourth sector which generates in excess of $14.5 billion in turnover in a year. The list demonstrates that co-operatives, credit unions and mutuals are a viable alternative to private and public enterprise . Yet, it is a scope and significance that is not readily understood and accepted.

This year's list includes membership and employee numbers for the first time - 93 of the 100 reported a total of  8,100,839 members and 88 of the 100 reported a total of 13,739 employees.

The first list of top 100 co-operatives, credit unions and mutuals was published in June 2009. Some businesses have moved up or down the list and others no longer appear on the lisy for various reasons e.g. no longer exist and the unavailability of turnover data.

Co-operatives Australia expressly disclaims any warranties or representations, express or implied, of any kind as to the accuracy and completeness of the list, and invites any of the entities listed to supply evidence to support any requested corrections. Entities not listed, and which believe that they should have been listed,, are invited to do likewise. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Co-operatives Australia is a national body for State Co-operative Federations. It is an unincorporated body with membership by the State Co-operative Federations of New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia. 

Co-operative Education Statement

Written by David Griffiths Saturday, 06 March 2010 00:57

Co-operatives Australia has issued a new statement on Co-operative Education. Co-operatives Australia has published the paper to affirm the importance of co-operative education to the co-operative business model e.g. agricultural, child care, commodity, fishing, housing and retail co-operatives.

Co-operatives Australia Submission on proposed Co-operatives National Law

Last Updated on Sunday, 28 February 2010 03:19 Written by David Griffiths Sunday, 28 February 2010 03:08

Co-operatives Australia has made a submission on the proposed Co-operatives National Law. The submission identifies key principles that should inform the process of developing and implementing co-operatives legislation.

Spotlight on Co-operatives

Last Updated on Monday, 05 July 2010 03:51 Written by David Griffiths Monday, 05 July 2010 03:30

Co-operatives WA has welcomed the announcement by Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr, of a Federal Government Innovation Australia Linkage Grant funding of $258,000 for its research partnership with the University of Western Australia Business School. The research program titled - Sustainable Co-operative Enterprise: An Investigation into the Factors Influencing the Sustainability and Competitiveness of Co-operative Enterprises, will be administered by UWA and overseen by a joint UWA.industry management group. Three of Western Australia's most important co-operatives are providing cash and in-kind support - Capricorn Society, Co-operative Bulk Handling Ltd and Ravensdown Fertiliser Co-operative Ltd. Read the Co-operatives WA media release.