Resources
Reliable information on how worker co‑ops work and how they’re set up in Australia.
Important note
Solarpunk Builders Co‑op is still in the founding stage. We haven’t registered the co‑op or finalised our own rules and disclosure statement yet.
The links below are trusted, general resources to help you understand the model and the formation process.
Overviews: what is a co‑op?
Co‑operatives – business.gov.au
Official Australian government overview of co‑ops: structure, member rights, one‑member‑one‑vote, limited liability, and the difference between distributing and non‑distributing co‑ops.
https://business.gov.au/planning/business-structures-and-types/business-structures/co-operative
Co‑operatives in Australia: A Manual – The Co‑op Federation
Comprehensive manual on starting and running a co‑op in Australia: feasibility, business planning, rules, disclosure statement, formation meetings, registration, and governance.
https://fed.coop/co-operatives-in-australia-a-manual/
Northern Territory Government industry page
Business and industry page with information about co-ops specific to the NT. https://nt.gov.au/industry/start-a-business/cooperatives
Model constitutions and rules
Sample constitutions for distributing and non‑distributing co‑ops, covering membership, shares, meetings, voting, board, and profit distribution.
- VIC: https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/licensing-and-registration/co-operatives/register-a-co-operative/names-rules-and-disclosure-statement
- TAS: https://cbos.tas.gov.au/topics/licensing-and-registration/co-operatives/before-you-register-a-co-operative/rules
Sample disclosure statements
Example formation disclosure statement for a distributing co‑op: costs, membership provisions, share rights, financial projections, and pre‑registration contracts.
Regulator pages with example disclosure statements and forms for forming a distributing co‑op.