Small Business Council Adds Broker Leaders to Board
The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia has appointed two major finance sector leaders to its board of directors.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Financial Services
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Anja Pannek and David Bushby have been elected to the board of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia. This move secures a direct seat in national policy debates for Australia’s broker associations.
Why it matters
The appointments ensure that brokers, who operate as small business owners, gain a stronger voice in addressing pressing issues like regulatory complexity and rising operating costs. This integration formalises their role in influencing national policy on red tape and finance access.
The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia represents approximately 1.1 million small businesses nationwide. The inclusion of new board members follows the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia joining the council earlier in 2024.
The players
Anja Pannek
She serves as the chief executive of the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia.
David Bushby
He is the chief executive of the Commercial & Asset Finance Brokers Association of Australia.
Council of Small Business Organisations Australia
This national body represents industry associations to advocate for the interests of Australian small businesses.
The details
The board seats were filled via a formal election process, bringing leaders from the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia and the Commercial & Asset Finance Brokers Association of Australia into the council. These organisations aim to bridge the gap between financial services and broader national small business advocacy.
Timeline
October 2023: David Bushby became chief executive of CAFBA.
2024: MFAA joined the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia.
October 2026: Pannek and Bushby were elected to the COSBOA board.
Market Landscape
The appointment of broker leadership reflects a broader trend of sectoral consolidation in national advocacy bodies. This shift positions finance associations to directly influence regulatory frameworks against a background of increasing national compliance and productivity challenges.
Small business owners and brokers may see more targeted advocacy regarding regulatory hurdles and operational expenses at the national level. These board additions suggest a push for policy changes that could eventually influence finance access and administrative requirements for individual firms.
The takeaway
The integration of broker leaders into the national council signals a strategic effort to unify small business interests across diverse industries. Business owners should monitor this collaboration as it may lead to significant shifts in how financial regulations are debated at the federal level.
Further reading
For more on industry developments, see Financial Services.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mortgage Professional America Magazine.
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