COSBOA addresses concerns with statement of intent

COSBOA came under fire for its association with the Australian Council of Trade Unions and the joint statement released just days before the summit.

Chair of COSBOA, Matthew Addison, said the statement of intent will hopefully reiterate the organisation’s future direction and advocacy goals on behalf of its members.

“COSBOA has always been committed to strong advocacy for the interests and needs of small businesses at every juncture and opportunity,” Mr Addison said.

“However, to address the recent attention, we have articulated COSBOA’s intents into a publicly accessible document.”

He said the COSBOA statement of intent describes the organisation’s purpose, which is to advocate for small business and to have a voice distinct from big business to government, policymakers and the community.

Members were invited to comment on the statement and provide feedback before the final draft was published and it has now been fully endorsed by the board of COSBOA.

“COSBOA’s role has always been to listen to stakeholders, and to guide the creation of an ideal policy environment, one in which small businesses and their particular circumstances are recognised, fully included and empowered to grow and thrive. This has not and won’t change,” Mr Addison said.

“Our Statement of Intent is a collegially determined document that articulates publicly what we have always stood for.”

Alexi Boyd, chief executive of COSBOA, said the work of COSBOA is to do the hard work of ensuring there is equity and fairness in the system and to advocate flexibility, and fit-for-purpose models for small-business operators.

“We do and have always listened to various stakeholders, to understand how we can make things better, easier and more effective for small businesses,” she said.

“Because where our systems benefit small business, they will be more productive, and enable growth that everyone can benefit from.”