After two and a half years at the helm, Luke Achterstraat is stepping down as CEO of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA).

Achterstraat said his time at COSBOA had been both professionally and personally rewarding.

“COSBOA is the genuine voice for small business. I am proud of the work the team has done growing members, building partnerships, and ensuring small business has a robust voice and seat at the table,” he said.

“COSBOA’s success is driven by a passionate and active membership, to whom I owe my sincere thanks. I have no doubt COSBOA will go from strength to strength under its next leader.”

A busy couple of years for COSBOA

During his stint as CEO, Achterstraat helped raise COSBOA’s national profile and scored a number of wins that gave small business a bigger say in the corridors of power.

COSBOA Chair Matthew Addison highlighted some of the milestones.

“During his tenure as CEO, COSBOA received ACCC Designated Complainant Status, was appointed to the Cyber Executive Council, co-hosted the Treasurer’s debate, influenced the national debate and launched its Fair Go election campaign to agitate for small business tax reform.”

Addison said Achterstraat’s background in government was a huge asset.

“Luke’s experience in government brought a significant increase in the positive political and public profile of COSBOA. On behalf of the Board of COSBOA I thank him for the progress and commitment he brought to the role.”

Passing the baton

While COSBOA hasn’t yet announced who will step into the role next, the organisation says operations will continue as normal in the meantime.

For those not across it, COSBOA has been around since 1979. It’s a member-based not-for-profit that represents the interests of small businesses nationwide. With over 50 national and state-based members, the group works to harness the collective views of small business and advocate for policy that benefits not just owners but the millions of Australians they employ.

According to COSBOA, member organisations play a central role in shaping policy development and advocacy. The council regularly makes submissions to government and agencies on the issues that matter most to the small business community.

What’s next for COSBOA?

With Achterstraat moving on, the spotlight now turns to who will take on the CEO role next and how COSBOA will continue to push the small business agenda. One thing’s for sure,  the council remains one of the loudest and most influential voices for small business in Australia, and its members will be expecting the momentum to keep rolling.

Under Achterstraat COSBOA has built “a significant increase in the positive political and public profile” of small business. Now, the next leader will be charged with taking that profile to new heights.

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