Fair Trading Minister, Virginia Judge, today officially opened the 2010 Co-operative Opportunities Conference at Sydney University.

Ms Judge said there were more than 700 co-operatives operating across New South Wales in a wide variety of areas from agriculture to internet services.

“The co-operative sector is a significant contributor to the economic and social life of NSW, employing around 11,000 people across the state,” she said.

“As Minister for Fair Trading I am committed to fostering and encouraging development and viability of co-operatives in NSW.

“One way that the NSW Government helps to achieve this is through a Co-operatives Grants Program which provides funding for research, education and feasibility study projects.

“Over the past 3 years, the NSW Government has provided almost $86,000 in funding to co-operatives to undertake research, prepare business plans, improve networking and take advantage of commercial opportunities.”

Ms Judge said NSW was also driving a push to reform laws restricting co-operatives.

“I am currently seeking comment on a proposed National Co-operatives Law which aims to simplify financial and auditing requirements for small co-operatives,” she said.

“It is also designed to establish a framework for regulating co-operatives nationally and consistently across Australia and facilitates co-operatives conducting their operations across state and territory borders.

“This review will lead to a heightened awareness of co-operatives and what could be achieved by co-operating within communities and across state-lines.”

More information on the proposed National Co-operatives Law is at this website. Public submissions close on 26 February 2010.

The first known co-operative in NSW was the South Coast and West Camden Co-operative Company, formed in 1880 to collectively represent the best interests of dairy producers.

The 2010 Co-operatives Federation of NSW conference is being held on 18-19 February at Sydney University.

For more information visit www.coopsnsw.coop.

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