At a glance
Simon Bedard, National Chair of the Australian Institute of Business Brokers (AIBB), was in Canberra on 14 October 2026 for the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) AGM, Council Day and Council Dinner. The council heard from the Minister for Small Business, Dr Anne Aly, and the Shadow Treasurer, Tim Wilson.
COSBOA brought its council together at Hotel Kurrajong in Canberra on 14 October 2026 for its AGM, Council Day and Council Dinner. Simon was there representing the AIBB.
What was on the agenda
Discussion covered AI, energy costs and the changing regulatory landscape.
Simon joined leaders from other industry bodies, each advocating for their members and together representing thousands of small businesses across Australia.
Government and opposition in the room
The council heard from the Minister for Small Business, Dr Anne Aly, and the Shadow Treasurer, Tim Wilson. Between them they brought government and opposition perspectives to the discussions.
Why the AIBB sits on the COSBOA Council
The Australian Institute of Business Brokers is a member organisation of COSBOA, and Simon holds its seat on the COSBOA Council as National Chair.
In Simon's words, the seat is "an opportunity to contribute to broader policy discussions and ensure that business ownership, succession and transition remain part of the national conversation."
"Many of the challenges facing small businesses are interconnected, and there's enormous value in industry bodies working together to help shape better outcomes."
Simon thanked Skye Cappuccio and the COSBOA team for bringing everyone together.
COSBOA AGM 2026: questions and answers
When was the COSBOA AGM 2026?
The COSBOA AGM was held on 14 October 2026 at Hotel Kurrajong in Canberra, alongside the COSBOA Council Day and Council Dinner.
Who spoke to the COSBOA Council in October 2026?
The council heard from the Minister for Small Business, Dr Anne Aly, and the Shadow Treasurer, Tim Wilson.
What did the COSBOA Council discuss in October 2026?
Discussion covered AI, energy costs and the changing regulatory landscape for small business.
Why is the AIBB on the COSBOA Council?
The Australian Institute of Business Brokers is a COSBOA member organisation. Simon Bedard holds its council seat as National Chair, to keep business ownership, succession and transition in national policy discussions.
Keep reading
- SeeCOSBOA National Small Business Summit 2026Simon at the Summit in Sydney, August 2026
- ReadBusiness Succession Planning: A Guide for OwnersInsight article
- ReadSimon's post from Canberra (opens in a new tab)LinkedIn
- VisitCouncil of Small Business Organisations Australia (opens in a new tab)cosboa.org.au
