CBH Group’s Andrew Crane will lead a new council formed to lift the profile of cooperatives and mutual businesses Australia-wide.
Dr Crane said the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals would spearhead campaign and policy agenda to raise awareness regarding the contributions of such businesses to the national economy.
“Our businesses have shown some remarkable resilience in the aftermath of the global financial crisis and we’ve been able to sustain strong outcomes for our members and the local economies in which we operate,” he said.
“Together through this council we have an enormous contribution to make to national conversations about a sustainable economy.”
Other board members on the council will include representatives from motorist association NRMA, health fund HCF and cooperative retailer, The Co-Op.
Dr Crane said the national economy would be strengthened through corporate diversity with a thriving cooperative and mutual sector.
“I believe the government, business community, not for profit sector and broader community are slowly beginning to realise this,” he said.
