Small business will have voice at Jobs and Skills Summit

The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) will be representing the needs of the country’s small businesses and COSBOA chief executive Alexi Boyd said she will be using it as an opportunity to represent all its members.

“COSBOA knows how important small business is to community and the government has made it clear that small businesses are an important part of rebuilding the economy; now is the time for good policy action,” Ms Boyd said.

“COSBOA is the only organisation that solely represents small businesses, who have distinct experiences, struggles, and needs from larger businesses. We’re proud of our members for the work they’ve done to advocate for their industries and look forward to taking their views to this summit.

“We come to the table ready to argue the small business point-of-view and listen to the views of other stakeholders with an open mind. We’re hopeful that this summit will lead to genuine reform that benefits the economy and everyone who is part of it.”

Ms Boyd said that COSBOA’s main areas of focus would be worker shortages and industrial relations complexity.

“Our members have been telling us that small businesses are struggling to find staff for well over a year now. Previous initiatives to remedy the situation haven’t been enough – more significant reform is needed,” Ms Boyd said.

“We’ll be seeking immediate solutions to maximise engagement across all sectors but also more long-term solutions like reducing the bureaucracy involved in sponsoring skilled workers, making sure skills shortage lists accurately reflect the current experience of small businesses in all industries, and ensuring that the vocational education and training system is equipping students and businesses into the future through strategic workforce planning.

“We will also be continuing to advocate for a simpler industrial relations system that is accessible to the average small business owner who doesn’t have immediate access to teams of expert lawyers. Micro businesses will be crucial in all of these discussions.”