Co-operative | business.gov.au

A co-operative structure is a legally incorporated entity designed to serve the interests of its members. Co-operatives carry on businesses in all sectors and they may be profit sharing enterprises or non-profit organisations. They serve their members by providing goods and services that may be unavailable or too costly to access as individuals. They share costs and carry on their enterprise under principles of:

• non-discrimination
• democracy
• independence
• education and care for communities.

Generally, all members are expected to use or contribute to their co-operative and have an equal say in the running of the organisation. Co-operatives are subject to state and territory legislation the Co-operatives National Law.