COSBOA welcomes new ministry and urges focus on small business growth

The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) welcomes the announcement of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s new Cabinet and extends its congratulations to all ministers to be sworn in by Governor-General Sam Mostyn in Canberra today.

These key ministerial appointments are of particular relevance to COSBOA and the small business community:

• The Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP, returning as Treasurer

• The Hon Tony Burke MP, continuing as Minister for Home Affairs, Immigration and Citizenship, Cyber Security, and the Arts

• The Hon Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Skills and Training

• The Hon Dr Anne Aly MP, promoted to Cabinet as Minister for Small Business and Minister for International Development and Multicultural Affairs

• The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, named Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations

• The Hon Dr Daniel Mulino MP, appointed Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services

COSBOA CEO Luke Achterstraat said the new Cabinet presents a fresh opportunity to advance policy reforms that support the small business sector – the engine room of Australia’s economy.

“We congratulate Dr Aly on her elevation to Cabinet and look forward to working closely with her and the new ministry to ensure small business priorities are heard and acted on,” said Mr Achterstraat.

“From navigating red tape to tackling rising costs and skills shortages, small business owners face complex challenges that require practical, coordinated policy responses.”

With Treasurer Chalmers reaffirming productivity as a key focus, COSBOA is calling for small business to be recognised as central to achieving national economic goals.

“Unlocking small business potential is essential to lifting productivity. Measures like reducing the small business company tax rate from 25% to 20% would provide immediate relief and drive investment,” Mr Achterstraat said.

COSBOA also renewed its call for a Small Business Forum to bring together government, opposition, crossbench and industry leaders for genuine dialogue on the issues that matter.

“Small businesses represent 97.7% of all Australian businesses and employ over five million people. Policy that supports their success is policy that supports Australia’s prosperity.”

COSBOA looks forward to continuing its constructive engagement with the Albanese Government to deliver a Fair GO for Small Business.

-ENDS-

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