Growth, impact, delivery and governance: key themes of COSBOA 2024 AGM

The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) is pleased to report the successful completion of its 2024 Annual General Meeting held on 9 October at the Hotel Kurrajong in Canberra.

COSBOA Chair Matthew Addison reflected that 2024 has been a very positive year for COSBOA with enhanced profile, influence, membership growth and financial strength.

“COSBOA is the voice for small business and we continue to make a big impact. Built on a strong legacy, COSBOA’s position in the marketplace is deeply anchored in the conversations we have daily with members, which is why our AGM is so important.”

“Whether it’s being invited to address the latest COAG-style of Small Business Ministers to discuss industry concerns or receiving Designated Complainant Status under the ACCC, COSBOA continues to advocate strongly for our members.”

COSBOA CEO Luke Achterstraat recapped COSBOA’s growth in 2024 in numbers citing the delivery of 40 policy submissions, 40 roundtables, 5 industry leaders’ lunches and 6 new staff.

“I am particularly proud of the COSBOA team that we have not only retained 100% of existing members but have also grown with an additional 12 new council members joining us in the past year.”

“It has been a busy year with a particular highlight being our National Small Business Summit in April which saw over 250 attendees participate.”

“In addition to advocacy, our programs such as Cyber Wardens, Small Business Peak, and the Future Female Entrepreneurs Program continue to deliver value for members.”

Results of the 2024 Director’s Election were announced with incumbent directors Mr Simon Foster (DSPANZ) and Ms Denita Wawn (MBA) re-elected to the Board, in addition to new director Ms Rachel Smith (ALRTA).

Office bearers were also confirmed for the year ahead with the COSBOA Board now comprised as:

·       Matthew Addison, Chair

·       Christine Pope, Deputy Chair

·       Simon Foster, Treasurer

·       Wes Lambert, Secretary

·       Andrew Ngeow

·       Ann Davey

·       Denita Wawn

·       Jos de Bruin

·       Rachel Smith

As part of the AGM, COSBOA took the opportunity to thank departing Board member Ben Kearney (Australian Lottery & Newsagents Association), who has been a vital part of the Board for many years. Ben has contributed significantly to COSBOA’s work, with a strong focus on supporting small businesses across a range of issues, including payments, red tape, productivity, and illicit tobacco. He was also instrumental in leading the success of COSBOA’s National Small Business Champion Award.

COSBOA Chair Matthew Addison and the rest of the Board extended their heartfelt gratitude to Ben for his dedication and leadership, and for helping advance COSBOA’s mission of improving the lives of small business owners across Australia.

Throughout the remainder of the day, members heard from external speakers including David Salisbury from the ACCC on the mechanics of COSBOA’s new Designated Complainant Status, and Alan Marjan from the Australian Cyber Security Centre on latest trends and challenges for small businesses in cyber security.

COSBOA members received updates on the work of various COSBOA panels including industrial relations, VET, skills and health, and discussed opportunities and dynamics of the upcoming federal election.

Earlier in the day, COSBOA launched its Small Business Perspective Report in conjunction with Commonwealth Bank of Australia which highlighted the ongoing challenges facing small business.

The evening concluded with a networking dinner for members with special guests including Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson, Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Murray Watt, Dr Daniel Mulino Member for Fraser, and Senator David Pocock.

-ENDS-

For media enquiries or interviews, please contact Luke Achterstraat, Chief Executive Officer, COSBOA on ceo@cosboa.org.au or call +61 (0) 433 644 097.