This ‘Library’ contains examples of the primary activity and active membership rules for different co-operatives registered across all jurisdictions in Australia. Some registrars may adopt different criteria in approving active membership rules in some jurisdictions, so take note of the jurisdiction relevant to each example. The ‘Library’ will grow as more people use the Co-op Builder. You will be asked at the end of the Co-op Builder to keep in touch with the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals and, if you agree, provide your constitution as an example to help others build their own co-operative.
We classify co-operatives as either producer, consumer or worker co-operatives. This classification is used as it has the most bearing on the type of primary activity and active membership rules.
Producer co-operatives are those with members who are producers. Their co-operative takes their product, value adds to it and sells it. This is often the type of co-operative used in agriculture. Most, although not all of these co-operatives will be distributing co-operatives.
Consumer co-operatives are those that bulk buy products to sell to their members. The members may be general consumers, such as in a local food co-operative or they could be other businesses that need access to goods and services at affordable prices. These co-operatives may be distributing or non-distributing.
Worker co-operatives will have workers or employees at their heart and they will together deliver products or services through their co-operative and their co-operative will provide jobs for them. These co-operatives may be distributing or non-distributing.
