Proposal to align with the Co-operatives National Law consultation 2012

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Co-operatives

Proposal to align with the Co-operatives National Law

There were two consultations for Co-operatives.  The first was a State-based consultation looking at the potential changes that may have to be made to WA’s Co-operatives Act in order to align with the Co-operatives National Law. The second was a national consultation on the draft Co-operatives Regulations that will support the Co-operatives National Law.

State consultation

Status: Closed 21 December 2012

In Western Australia, there are approximately 62 locally registered co-operatives operating across a range of industries including retail, agriculture, manufacturing, wool processing, taxi services and the arts and crafts. While they occur across different sectors these co-operatives do have a number of features in common. They are mutual organisations that operate for the benefit of their members and they all have a democratic structure whereby capital is used to service the common needs of members rather than to provide individual benefit. 

Currently, each State and Territory in Australia has legislation regulating co operatives.  In Western Australia, the Co-operatives Act 2009 (WA Act) and the Co-operatives Regulations 2010 (WA Regulations) commenced on 1 September 2010.

Western Australia is working with the other Australian States and Territories towards national legislation for co-operatives (the Co-operatives National Law (CNL)).  While Western Australia will not be adopting the CNL it is reviewing its legislation to ensure that so far as possible both the CNL and the WA Act remain consistent. Further information on this review can be found in the recently released discussion paper.

Co-operatives National Law Survey

Status: Closed 7 January 2013.

National Regulations are required to provide detail and support for the Co operatives National Law (CNL).

New South Wales is coordinating consultation on the draft Co-operatives National Regulations which are now available for comment by stakeholders.  The Regulations deal with important issues such as financial reporting for small co operatives and duties of secretaries of co operatives. 

While Western Australia will not be adopting the CNL, it is reviewing both WA’s Co operatives Act 2009 and the Co operatives Regulations 2010 to ensure that so far as possible both the CNL and WA’s legislation remain consistent.

The draft Co-operatives National Regulations, supporting Summary Guide and survey were available from NSW Fair Trading.

Enquiries

Can be made by calling Consumer Protection on 1300 304 054 or by email.

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