The economic and social contribution of the Western Australian CME sector

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The first co-operative in Western Australia (WA) was founded in Albany in 1868. Since then, co-operative, and mutual enterprises (CMEs) have played a significant role in the development of the state. The evolution of the WA Co-operative and Mutual Enterprise (CME) sector was different from other states. Today, although comprising only 5.3% of the total CMEs in Australia, it has many of the largest and most successful firms. This study examines the unique aspects of the historical evolution of the WA CME sector, and its contribution to the state’s economic and social development. It also examines the lessons that this offers for existing and future CMEs and the role of government policy and regulation in shaping both the past and the future.