ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the development of Australian co-operatives from the outbreak of the First World War to the end of the Second World War. While there was overall growth in the number of Australian co-operatives from 1914 to 1945, there were fluctuating fortunes for varying forms of co-operation. Agricultural co-operatives steadily grew, while consumer co-operatives peaked in the early 1920s following the inflation and unrest of the First World War. The state played a significant role in shaping the Australian co-operative movement particularly in New South Wales and Queensland where legislation encouraged the formation of co-operatives and shaped their form. The Australian co-operative movement saw a geographical shift in influence and internal conflict. Western Australian co-operatives became significant actors in the development of Australian co-operatives. There were general disagreements over the interpretation of Rochdale principles and tensions around gender within the consumer co-operative movement. Despite these challenges, there was sufficient momentum to form the Co-operative Federation of Australia in 1943.
