The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) has announced its new Board following its 2026 Annual General Meeting, welcoming new and returning directors and recognising outgoing Chair Matthew Addison and three other departing Board members for their contribution.
The directors elected to the Board are:
- Anja Pannek, Chief Executive Officer, Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA)
- Ben Kearney, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Lottery and Newsagents Association (ALNA), who returns to the COSBOA Board
- David Bushby, Chief Executive Officer, Commercial & Asset Finance Brokers Association of Australia (CAFBA)
- Fiona Beamish, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC)
- Martin Stirling, Chief Executive Officer, MGA Independent Businesses Australia
Andrew Ngeow was re-elected to the Board, joining continuing directors Ann Davey, Denita Wawn and Simon Foster.
The new Board will elect its Chair and other office bearers at its first meeting in November.
COSBOA Chief Executive Officer Skye Cappuccio welcomed the incoming directors and thanked outgoing Chair Matthew Addison, alongside departing directors Christine Pope, Jos de Bruin and Wes Lambert, for their leadership, commitment and contribution to Australia’s small business community.
“Matthew has provided five years of dedicated leadership as Chair, guiding COSBOA through a period of significant change and helping strengthen its position as a leading national voice for small businesses,” Ms Cappuccio said.
“His contribution has extended well beyond the boardroom, from advocating on taxation, regulation and productivity reform to representing small business at the Government’s Economic Reform Roundtable.
“Throughout his tenure, Matthew has helped build COSBOA’s governance, national advocacy and capacity to represent the interests of Australia’s small business community.”
Ms Cappuccio also acknowledged the contributions of the departing directors.
“Christine has made an enormous contribution to COSBOA’s governance through her roles as Treasurer and Deputy Chair. She has also led the Program Committee for the COSBOA National Small Business Summit over several years and championed the interests of small businesses in the health and wellbeing sector.
“Jos has been a longstanding advocate for fairer competition laws and a level playing field for small businesses, while Wes has been a strong voice for the hospitality sector and a consistent advocate on the cost and regulatory pressures facing small businesses.
“On behalf of COSBOA and our members, I sincerely thank all four departing directors for the time, energy and expertise they have contributed.”
Ms Cappuccio said the new Board brought a wealth of experience across diverse industries, reflecting the breadth of Australia’s small business community.
“We are delighted to welcome Anja, David, Fiona and Martin, welcome Ben back to the Board and congratulate Andrew on his re-election. Together with our continuing directors, they bring significant experience and fresh perspectives to COSBOA’s work.”
“Small businesses are facing considerable economic and regulatory pressures, but also significant opportunities through innovation, technology and productivity improvements.
“With a strong Board and the continued support of our members, COSBOA remains focused on advocating for practical policies that help small businesses thrive, invest, employ and grow.”
