COSBOA acknowledges Sussan Ley’s new Shadow Ministry and reinforces commitment to small business progress

The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) extends its congratulations to Opposition Leader, the Hon Sussan Ley MP and her newly appointed Shadow Ministry. With small businesses continuing to face a complex and evolving economic landscape, COSBOA looks forward to engaging constructively with the Coalition’s new leadership team on policies that drive innovation, resilience, and long-term prosperity for small business.

Key shadow ministers of relevance to COSBOA’s advocacy and the broader small business community include:

• The Hon Ted O'Brien MP – Shadow Treasurer

• The Hon Tim Wilson MP – Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations, Employment & Small Business

• The Hon Andrew Hastie MP – Shadow Minister for Home Affairs

• Senator Andrew Bragg – Shadow Minister for Productivity and Deregulation, and Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness

• The Hon Paul Scarr MP – Shadow Minister for Immigration

• The Hon Jacinta Nampijinpa Price – Shadow Minister for Defence

• The Hon Scott Buchholz MP – Shadow Minister for Skills

• The Hon Pat Conaghan MP –Shadow Assistant Treasurer

• The Hon James Paterson MP – Shadow Minister for Finance

• The Hon Michaelia Cash MP – Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs

Of particular significance to the small business community is the appointment of Senator Andrew Bragg as Shadow Minister for Productivity and Deregulation, alongside Housing. COSBOA has long advocated for a focused approach to boosting productivity and easing regulatory pressures to help small businesses grow and thrive.

COSBOA CEO Luke Achterstraat said the refreshed frontbench presents a valuable opportunity to deepen policy discussions on the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing Australia’s small business sector.

“We recognise the Coalition’s renewed energy and leadership and are eager to continue constructive dialogue with the new shadow ministers on significant areas that matter to our members – tax reform, skills, red tape reduction, and digital transformation,” said Mr Achterstraat.

“Small businesses represent 97.7% of all Australian businesses and employ over five million people. A vibrant small business sector is essential for a strong and competitive economy.”

COSBOA continues to advocate for bold yet practical reforms that empower small businesses to grow and innovate, including:

• A reduction in the small business company tax rate from 25% to 20%

• Making the instant asset write-off permanent

• Smarter, not heavier, regulation

• Flexible and fit-for-purpose training pathways to address skills shortages

• A balanced and supportive approach to digital and privacy reform

• Recognition of the vital role of small health businesses in health system reform

• Tangible, accessible support for the energy transition and net zero goals

“Policy that supports small business productivity is policy that supports Australia’s prosperity,” Mr Achterstraat added.

“We want to see bipartisan commitment to a thriving small business sector – because a small business-led recovery is the most direct path to job creation and sustained national growth.”

COSBOA also remains opposed to the proposed superannuation tax changes that would apply a higher rate to unrealised gains on balances over $3 million.

“This sets a troubling precedent and disproportionately impacts small business owners planning for retirement through long-held assets,” said Mr Achterstraat.

COSBOA welcomes the opportunity to work with the Nationals leadership team, the Hon David Littleproud MP, the Hon Kevin Hogan MP, and the Hon Bridget McKenzie MP, to support the many small businesses that power Australia.

For more on giving small businesses a fair go, visit: cosboa.org.au

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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.

About COSBOA

Established in 1979, The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) is a member based not-for-profit organisation exclusively representing the interests of small businesses. The capability, representation, and reach of COSBOA are defined by a mix of over 50 national and state-based members. COSBOA's strength is its capacity to harness its members' views and advance consensus across policy areas common to many.

Our member organisations work with the COSBOA team to assist us with policy development and guide our advocacy - not just for small businesses but also for the benefit of the Australians they employ. In this capacity, COSBOA makes submissions and representations to the government, including its agencies, on issues affecting small businesses and to pursue good policy.

For more information, visit www.cosboa.org.au