COSBOA declares a win for small business with Ombudsman

THE Council of Small Business Australia (COSBOA) today declared the appointment of Kate Carnell as Australia’s first Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman a huge victory for small business.

The creation of this position, by Minister Kelly O’Dwyer, is fully supported by COSBOA’s CEO, Peter Strong, who says: “We have been calling for an Ombudsman for our sector since 1977 when our association was first formed by concerned small business supporters. No other group has called for such a position until recently, so it seems that patience does pays off.

“Kate Carnell is a great selection and will help develop laws that specifically help and not hinder small business. With her experience in politics as an ex Chief Minister of the ACT and, running her own small business, we believe Ms Carnell is perfectly positioned to understand and represent the concerns of the small business community.”

Mr Strong added: “COSBOA knows from deep experience that some big businesses, Wesfarmers in particular, has used money, resources and its political influence to stop any policy that may provide fairness for small business.

“COSBOA also knows that government agencies still design tender processes and business communications to make their job easier, rather than get the best business outcome for government. Hopefully all this can change now that Ms Carnell is in place.”

Like COSBOA, Ms Carnell also supports an effects test with Peter Strong commenting: “The recent decision by the Abbott Government to shelve an effects test in competition law is a great example of how big business is in control. However, now with Kate Carnell in her new role we can expect an internal bureaucratic fight, while never even, at least the interests of small business are being represented.

"COSBOA hopes the appointment of Ms Carnell will improve communications and process for small business, as well as dispute resolutions, as she has the skills to stop many disputes happening or reaching a need for action.

"COSBOA is committed to representing the interests of small businesses across Australia, actively lobbying the Government to realise the role and importance of small enterprises for the economy and the country’s culture.

"Furthermore COSBOA publicly looks to put a stop to unfair big business practises, which have a harmful effect on small business."

For more information on COSBOA, visit  www.cosboa.org.au

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