18 March    2009

Co-operatives WA News

This message has been issued by Co-operatives WA as part of its Member Services and Business Awareness programs.

MEDIA RELEASE

CO-OPS BILL BACK IN PARLIAMENT

Co-operatives WA, the peak industry body representing Western Australian co-operatives, has welcomed the return of the Co-operatives Bill to State Parliament.

The Co-operatives Bill 2009 is the reincarnation of a Bill that lapsed when State Parliament was prorogue last August.

The Hon Troy Buswell MLA, Treasurer and Minister for Commerce when presenting the Bill to the Legislative Assembly today, made reference in his second reading speech to the fact the Bill was in sense the same legislation that the Lower House had passed in 2008. However the Bill was laying on the table of the Upper House when the 2008 election was called.

“The move to replace the Companies (Co-operative) Act of 1943 with an Act that will bring WA into line with the rest of Australia is welcomed. The new Act will make the administration of co-operatives consistent around Australia in key areas of membership, accountability, capital raising, contracting, board functions and the role of directors”, said Chris Enright, Chairman of Co-operatives WA.

“Co-operative enterprises make a every strong contribution to the WA economy with a collective annual turnover measured in billions of dollars. Co-operatives also provide employment opportunities throughout the State and the new legislation will help grow the sector even further. In these difficult economic times the principles and values of the co-operative business model are expected to be of interest to many people looking to restore business confidence through co-operation and mutuality”, according to Mr Enright.

“Co-operatives WA will resume planning for a series of workshops to provide training for Member co-operatives over the coming months to ensure the changeover is seamless and efficient once the Bill completes its passage through Parliament and becomes law” concluded Mr Enright.
 

(ENDS)

Released by:             Co-operatives WA on 18^th March 2009

Authorised by:           Chris Enright