Media Releases

Small businesses are the heartbeat of Australia’s national economy and our local communities. They employ nearly half of the nation’s workers and contribute a third of Australia’s GDP. And they make the places we live, and work feel like a community. “The coronavirus pandemic, lockdowns, and resulting global economic downturn hit the sm...

Federal Member for Canberra, Alicia Payne MP, urges Canberrans to ‘Go Local First‘ this Christmas to help small businesses in our region survive another tough year, and hopefully still be here to prosper in 2022: Whether you have a spring in your step heading into the Christmas break or feel that you are limping towards the finish line, Canberr...

GO LOCAL FIRST Campaign Spokesman, Mark McKenzie, joined Kaz on the Today Show to talk about the challenges facing small businesses around Australia. Small businesses provide local communities with vitality – they’re the lifeblood of our communities.

(Canberra) – Australians are being urged to continue to spend with local businesses as the GO LOCAL FIRST campaign returns to the airwaves today, with an initial focus on supporting small businesses affected by lockdowns. GO LOCAL FIRST will highlight the crucial role small business plays in the nation’s economy and the continued need for A...

(Sydney) The year-long extension of GO LOCAL FIRST today announced by The Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, the Hon. Stuart Robert MP, is incredibly welcome news, according to GO LOCAL FIRST spokesperson Mark McKenzie. “Australia’s 3.5 million small businesses are the heartbeat of their local communities and...

Fresh data from the ABS showing gross domestic product grew 3.3 per cent in the September Quarter was welcomed by the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia. “The fact GDP growth has rebounded to the strongest quarterly growth since 1968, as the economy begins its recovery from COVID-19, is fantastic news for Australians and small busi...

From bushfires and floods through to the pandemic, we’ve all had a tough year but this weekend is the light at the end of the tunnel. COSBOA is joining with ACAPMA, New Sunrise Group, Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Michael McCormack MP and the Minister for Small and Family Business, the Hon Michaelia Cash MP to launch the GO LOCAL FIRST Local Leg...

Fresh data from the ABS showing almost 180,000 more people were in work in October compared to September was welcomed by The Council of Small Business Organisations. “The fact another 180,000 people are in work over just a month is great news, as the economy begins its recovery from COVID-19,” said COSBOA Chief Executive Peter Strong. “We’r...

From bushfires and floods through to the pandemic, we’ve all had a tough year. With summer just around the corner, there’s an opportunity for all Australians to look forward to taking time out for long overdue catch ups with family and friends. It’s a chance to celebrate the start of summer and to encourage Aussies to (responsibly, adhering t...