NSW Election Survey shows strong support for co-operatives

The Co-op Federation has today released the results of its 2019 NSW Election Survey of established political parties and independent MPs revealing strong support across the political spectrum for the resurgent NSW co-operative sector.

“The Liberal and National Coalition, in its response, outlined the support it has given co-ops in this last term of Parliament and its openness to work with the sector in the next term,” said The Co-op Federation Secretary Sam Byrne.

“Labor has committed to allocating an additional $3.15 million over 4 years to establish a Co-operatives Unit within government.”

“We put four key proposals to the politicians on supporting the formation and development of co-ops, establishing co-op education in our schools, removing barriers in government tenders and grants for co-ops, and improving the data available on co-ops.”

“The Animal Justice Party, the Greens, Socialist Alliance and the Small Business Party, along with independent MP Alex Greenwich, supported all of our proposals.”

“A highlight was the support from all quarters for addressing barriers for co-ops in NSW government tender and grant processes.”

Co-ops are a unique, principles-based business and organisational structure featuring democratic ownership and control, and active membership. Co-ops deliver more for local economies and communities.

“We have also today distributed the survey results to co-operatives across the state asking them to inform their hundreds of thousands of members and customers.”

“NSW voters will now be able to make a more informed decision on election day knowing the stance of their candidates on supporting co-operative enterprise.”