You should be on the stage Andrew

National Party Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie says Labor spokesman Andrew Leigh
is missing his biggest opportunity yet – a career on the stage, preferably in
comedy.
“How else could you explain Andrew’s latest media release and speech to the Business
Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals?
“He commits Labor to a “suite of innovative policy reforms” to support
Co-operatives and Mutuals.
“But here’s the punch line – Labor doesn’t have a policy on co-operatives and
mutuals!”
Senator McKenzie says Labor has never shown any interest in this vital sector, never
has and never will.
“The National Party in Victoria adopted a far reaching policy on co-operatives and
mutuals after extensive consultation with the industry.
“It has strong support throughout co-operatives and mutuals for its 21st
century approach with significant economic and societal benefits.
“For too long Labor and some others have dismissed this sector as belonging in the
past, of not appealing to young people, particularly in regional and rural
areas.
“It’s time for everyone to take a fresh look at Co-operatives and Mutuals, to discard
old school or cultural thinking,” Senator McKenzie said.
“Co-operatives and mutuals  contribute  $133 billion to the Australian economy each
year and operate across many sectors, including agriculture, motoring, finance,
insurance, retail, health and childcare.
“Victoria is home to many of Australia’s top ranked co-operatives and mutuals while around
80 per cent of Australians are members of a co-operative or mutually owned
business.
“Classic Australian household brand names like Golden Circle and SPC have their origins
as co-operatives; the list goes on and on.
“It is farcical when Labor tries to have you believe they have an interest in
co-operatives and mutuals.
“They don’t, it’s yet another conjuring trick that would in fact be comical if it
wasn’t for the fact that all it is, is another Labor puff of smoke,” Senator
McKenzie said.