COSBOA CEO in the firing line from opposition

And on Wednesday (30 November), the COSBOA board took the unusual step of making a statement acknowledging the receipt of Sussan Ley’s correspondence and informing its members that Alexi Boyd was on annual leave.

In a statement, COSBOA said it is focused on delivering for small businesses.

“We prioritise the needs of small businesses — the backbone of this country, in all we do; they are the sole reason we exist,” the statement said.

“We have never swayed from that point of focus and have consulted widely — both publicly and privately — with many stakeholders regarding the new bill.

“We have rigorously discussed with all sides of politics what all small businesses need — an IR system that is simple to understand and use, one that is fair and works for the modern small business.

“Our goals were recently articulated in our Statement of Intent which describes our commitment to advocating for an IR system that is simple, clear and flexible for small businesses. Our message throughout all our consultations has consistently delivered this message.”

The controversy surrounding COSBOA’s position on the new IR bill started in September after Ms Boyd signed a memorandum of understanding with trade unions that the Albanese government used to promote the bill at the Jobs and Skills Summit claiming it showed small-business support for multi-employer bargaining.

Since it was introduced to Parliament in November, the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill has been at centre of heated debate and has been criticised by Australia’s largest business and employer groups.

Amendments were made over the weekend after negotiations with senator David Pocock, but many still believe the bill is not “fit for passage”.

Last week, Ms Boyd joined other groups urging the government to “abandon or substantially amend” the multi-employer bargaining elements of the bill.

In her letter to the COSBOA board on Tuesday (29 November,) Ms Ley wrote “these extreme industrial relations laws require the business community to speak up and speak out — an effort admirably led by many other peak-bodies and employer groups.

“The passage of Labor’s new IR laws will require an enduring, ongoing, laser-like focus from COSBOA,” Ms Ley said.

“It will require COSBOA to make the case each and every day about why the legislation is not working.

“It will require offending Anthony Albanese. It will require burning bridges.”

The COSBOA board on Wednesday (30 November) announced Ms Boyd is currently on leave and all inquiries should now be directed to Matthew Addison, chair of COSBOA, for further comment.