She was addressing a workshop at the Community Housing Federation of Victoria's National Housing Co-operative Conference, Reflection, Celebration & Vision, on 20 September 2007, State Netball &  Hocket Centre, Parkville, Victoria.

Community Housing Federation of Victoria
http://www.chfv.org.au

In her address, Melabnie Saba reminded workshop participants of the seven principles for co-operatives outlined in the Act (s.6):

• Voluntary and open membership/
• Democratic member control.
• Member economic participation.
• Autonomy and independence.
• Education, training and information.
• Co-operation among co-operatives.
• Concern for community.

She advised that there were 751 co-operatives currently registered in Victoria and that between 75 and 150 have an interest in houwsing - either by name or purpose. She said that some have housing as a sole purpose or as one of many purposes.

"As outlined in the principles, the Act is to allow the formation of a legal entity, that controls its own activities through a democratic process with minimal government interference in its activities."