MFAA membership of COSBOA strengthens support for small business members

Today the Mortgage & Finance Association (MFAA) announced it has become a member
of the Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia (COSBOA).

COSBOA is the peak body exclusively representing the interests of small businesses in
Australia.

COSBOA’s goals include fostering an increased awareness and understanding of the role of
small business in Australia amongst public servants and elected government officials, larger
businesses, the media and the general community.

The MFAA is the peak association for the mortgage and finance broking industry,
representing over 15,000 members across Australia, and over 97% of MFAA members are
mortgage and finance brokers.

“We’re thrilled to become members of COSBOA and have the opportunity to work together
for the benefit of our broker members, the vast majority of whom are small business owners
themselves,” said MFAA CEO Anja Pannek.

COSBOA CEO, Luke Achterstraat, said the Council’s strength comes from its members.

“With MFAA joining us we are even better equipped to represent the interests of small
business,” he continued.

Mr Achterstraat also commented that in the midst of a housing affordability crisis, the ability
for Australian households to access mortgage finance is more important than ever.

“Mortgage brokers play an important role in unlocking the dreams of many Australians,
including young families,” he said

“We need to ensure that policy settings support rather than hinder the work of these brokers.

“We look forward to MFAA as we collaborate to support engagement and advocacy efforts.”

Becoming a member of COSBOA will allow the MFAA to further widen its member support
and advocacy.

“We know our members require strong representation at all levels of Government – federal
and state – and the expertise of the COSBOA team will enable us to expand our advocacy
support to a broader range of matters that impact our members as small business owners,”
said Ms Pannek.

“These include matters ranging from industrial relations law, competition, less ‘red tape’ and
importantly a better tax system for small broking businesses, including payroll tax.”

MFAA’s membership of COSBOA will also enable the MFAA to provide its members with
additional support and resources specifically designed for small businesses.

“We look forward to working with COSBOA and enhancing the voice our small broking
business members across Australia,” Ms Pannek commented.