Luke Achterstraat departs COSBOA after securing ACCC status and Cyber Executive Council appointment. What’s next for small business advocacy?
What’s happening: Luke Achterstraat has resigned as CEO of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) after two and a half years leading the organisation.
Why this matters: His departure follows a period of significant achievements including securing ACCC Designated Complainant Status and appointment to the Cyber Executive Council.
Luke Achterstraat has notified the COSBOA board of his resignation after what he described as an “extremely rewarding” two and a half years as chief executive of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia.
The departure marks the end of a tenure that saw the organisation secure several significant regulatory appointments and expand its political influence.
Major achievements
“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,” Achterstraat said.
According to Chair Matthew Addison, Achterstraat’s “experience in government brought a significant increase in the positive political and public profile of COSBOA.”
During his leadership, the organisation achieved several landmark 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.
Organisation’s foundation
Established in 1979, COSBOA is a member-based not-for-profit organisation exclusively representing small business interests. The organisation’s capability and reach are defined by 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,” according to the organisation’s official description.
Future direction
Achterstraat expressed confidence in the organisation’s continued growth under new leadership. “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.”
COSBOA’s member organisations work with the team to assist with policy development and guide advocacy efforts, making submissions and representations to government and agencies on issues affecting small businesses.
Addison thanked Achterstraat “for the progress and commitment he brought to the role” on behalf of the COSBOA board.
More information about COSBOA is available at www.cosboa.org.au.
The organisation continues its work on small business policy priorities as it searches for new leadership.
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