The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) has announced Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) as its newest council member.
The partnership ensures COSBOA extends its advocacy to the business events sector, empowering hundreds of small business owners, operators and their employees, and bolstering its influence to advocate for policy changes.
It also aims to amplify the voices of small businesses within the business events sector, which contributes an estimated $36 billion to the Australian economy annually.
Collectively, COSBOA and ABEA will lobby for policy changes on taxes; subsidies; grants; workforce development and increasing the skilled workforce; fair work practices; and working with government to value Australia’s business events industry.
“Welcoming ABEA into the COSBOA network is another step forward in our mission to support small businesses,” says Luke Achterstraat, CEO of COSBOA.
“The business events sector includes dynamic suppliers, organisers and venues that manage and deliver conferences, exhibitions and meetings each year, which are vital to our economy and community.
“By working together, we can better address the unique challenges faced by small businesses in this sector, such as reducing administrative burdens and industrial relations amendments.
“The connecting of our organisations will enable us to present a united front to government and policymakers, ensuring the needs of small businesses in this sector, as well as others, are heard and addressed.”
Melissa Brown, CEO of ABEA, says her organisation’s members will benefit from the partnership.
“Joining COSBOA offers opportunities for our members across Australia, who work to produce approximately 500,000 business events annually which deliver on critical trade, education, health and innovation outcomes required by the business, government and for-purpose sectors,” she says.
“Small businesses underpin our sector, provide thousands of jobs, and bring innovative thinking to our industry.
“Having a voice within the COSBOA influence will provide access to critical advocacy and resources, from workforce development and cyber security, to addressing red tape and industrial relations issues.
“This collaboration will strengthen COSBOA’s ability to represent a wider array of small businesses, and empower ABEA to support its members in navigating policy changes, addressing unique challenges and enhancing their capabilities.”
