COSBOA

introduce a Tobacco licence to help eradicate illicit tobacco from being sold. f. Western Australia: MGA engages with the Department of Health (Minister for Health). There are no imminent changes – particularly nothing new in regard to signage. G. Energy costs Addressed with relevant state ministers and their departments at every opportunity. Each state has a different system and ownership structure for electricity generation and electricity retailing adding complexity, confusion and costs.

a. Energy costs have lifted substantially in 2022 for members, particularly those coming out of contract. With coal fired generators closing and the slowness of renewable energy coming available there are supply issues causing major price increases. H. Payroll Tax As a debilitating tax on employment, MGA continues to voice strong concerns that this tax is a handbrake on employment growth, particularly, as we emerge from COVID-19. a. Payroll tax relief or deferment was given by some state governments during COVID-19 in 2020/2021.

i. States and territories raise $22B per in revenue from payroll tax. I. Small Business Advisory Councils a. Queensland: Debbie Smith, Foodworks Toowoomba was a member of Qld Small Business Advisory Council until late 2021 b. New South Wales: MGA is a member of Small Business Commissioner Small Business Round Table.

c. Victoria: MGA and Tony Ingpen,

Supa IGA Mount Evelyn, is a member of the statutory Small

Business Advisory Council.

WA Single Use Plastic Ban Meetings Sep 2021 Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson Dec 2021

COSBOA – Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia

MGA’s Jos de Bruin was reappointed as COSBOA Director for another six year term in December 2021.

COSBOA played an enormous leadership role on behalf of its members and all small businesses around Australia by being a beacon of light and hope during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Post the pandemic.

Under new CEO Alexi Boyd and new Chairman Matthew Addison, COSBOA continued the heavy lifting to safeguard and to advocate for the Federal Government and regulators to support small businesses.

COSABOA has become the “go to” organisation for Governments and Regulators when determining small business policies and budget settings. COSBOA continues to stand behind and support small and family-owned businesses at all levels of government and key regulators, ensuring they receive the support needed during challenging times such as COVID-19.

COSBOA hosted a weekly industry association leaders, ministers and regulators COVID-19 meeting at which all issues and matters affecting small businesses were discussed including cash flow boosts, Job Saver and Job seeker programmes.

MGA TMA is a very active Council member, participating in many workstreams, including IR reform, COVID-19 business recovery and related groups, merchant payment fees and much more.

As the beacon for small, family and privately owned businesses around Australia COSBOA continued to create, develop and implement the highly recognisable “Go Local” campaign, encouraging locals to shop at their local businesses. This campaign has been an outstanding success.