COSBOA really needs to get its act together: The Fast Lane

What’s happening at the Council of Small Business of Australia is a mess.

The chairman and two directors have quit and an investigation by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission has been called for. 

In a letter obtained by SmartCompany, Andrew Conway, former chairman of COSBOA, alleges some COSBOA directors used their position to gain financial advantage, questioned the solvency of the organisation and says there have been “numerous examples of non-compliance”.

But remaining directors have today expressed their support for the organisation and executive director Peter Strong. 

It’s an unwelcome distraction from COSBOA’s role and, sadly, this isn’t the first time the organisation has been engulfed in scandal.

In November 2012 former COSBOA chairman Ken Phillips also resigned when the council’s accounts could not be signed off at the organisation’s annual general meeting, raising questions over COSBOA’s finances.

It’s not good enough for the two million small businesses around Australia which rely on COSBOA to act as a voice for them. 

How can small businesses be properly represented when the organisation meant to speak for them is besieged by infighting and claims of impropriety?

This is a crucial time for small business with the election of a government which made several key promises to businesses during its election campaign.

COSBOA needs to be a strong and united voice speaking up for small business and making sure the government is accountable and delivers all it promised on the campaign trail.

COSBOA desperately needs to get its act together before the infighting does further damage to the interests of small businesses around Australia.