COSBOA to ensure small business has a seat at reform roundtable

The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) today welcomed an invitation from Treasurer Jim Chalmers to attend the National Reform Roundtable in Canberra, 19-21 August 2025.

COSBOA CEO Luke Achterstraat said it was high time for government to pursue reforms that back small businesses and national productivity.

“Small businesses comprise 97 per cent of Australian firms and employ 5 million Australians. It’s impossible to have a reform agenda centred on productivity if it doesn’t strongly back the engine room of the economy: small business.”

“Boosting private investment, reducing redtape, creating business certainty and harnessing the capability of digitisation and AI are all key areas where Australia can and should lead the region.”

COSBOA Chair Matthew Addison said the organisation would be championing small business growth and success at the roundtable.

“We know that productivity growth is the key to higher living standards, so we welcome the opportunity to participate in the roundtable.”

“Significant work has been done in the lead to the budget and election platform earlier this year, in addition to COSBOA’s submission to the Productivity Commission inquiry.”

“As the only peak body dedicated exclusively to small business, we take this charter seriously and look forward to contributing at the roundtable.”

Addison acknowledged the need for continued attention on small business growth.

“Whilst no one expects the roundtable to be a panacea for all problems, it is a welcome move at a time when sensible action is overdue.”

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