The Co-operative Federation of Victoria Ltd had requested that membership of the International Co-operative Alliance be discussed at the meeting.

The primary influence on the decision was cost - all State federations throughout Australia have a limited income and it would be difficult to find and justify the expenditure.

This was seen as no more difficult with a Co-operative Council of Australia membership and the State federations  sharing the cost of the membership fee.

There was also some concern expressed as to the value of membership to the CCA and, therefore, to the State federations.

After the meeting, Graeme Charles, Deputy Chairman, Co-operative Federation of Victoria Ltd, said: "I am disappointed with the decision but understand why it was made and the difficult financial situations of all State federations - including the Co-operative Federation of Victoria Ltd."

"It is a pity, however, that we want co-operatives to join our federations but cannot ourselves join the international federation."