Constitution Library updated with care co-op examples

13 May 2026

The Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM) and the Care Together program have updated the BCCM Constitution Library to include additional examples relevant to care co-operatives and community-based social care enterprises.

The searchable library contains examples of primary activity and active membership rules from co-operatives registered across jurisdictions throughout Australia. It has been designed as a practical reference resource for groups exploring or developing a co-operative structure.

The updated library now includes additional care-focused examples to support groups working across aged care, disability support, allied health, community care and other social care services.

Because registrars may apply different criteria when assessing active membership rules, users are encouraged to consider the jurisdiction attached to each example when reviewing constitutions.

To support navigation, constitutions are grouped into three broad co-operative categories – producer, consumer and worker co-operatives – based on the relationship members have with the co-operative and the way they participate in its activities.

Producer co-operatives generally involve members who produce goods or services collectively, often using the co-operative to strengthen service delivery, administration or market access.

Consumer co-operatives are designed to provide members with access to affordable products or services and may include community-based or service-focused models.

Worker co-operatives place workers and employees at the centre of the enterprise, with members collectively delivering products or services through a shared business structure.

The Constitution Library will continue to expand as more groups use the Co-op Builder and choose to contribute examples to support future co-operative development across Australia.

Browse the Constitution Library to explore examples and learn more about different co-operative structures.