Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose.

EP#233 ~ Navigating the Energy Transition. Who is representing small business in economy wide change?

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #233
Broadcast date: 14 May 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guest: Dr Brendan French, CEO of Energy Consumers Australia

There are some big changes coming down the pipeline for small business; and it involves an input every business needs: Energy. Whether you’re located in a small country town or the middle of a major shopping centre in the middle of the CBD, the energy transition is marching towards net zero with or without you. And the changes will affect many aspects of your business; from the equipment you use to make stuff, to how and where you get your energy from. And once again policy makers are grappling with how to include small businesses in the energy transition.

So what is the transition and how has it already affected your business? What’s in store in the future? Are costs only going to go up? And what about the businesses who have no power over their power?

Luckily there is an organisation which represents small businesses when it comes to the cost of energy, changing to renewables and navigating the maze of unrelatable information for small businesses. Today we welcome Dr Brendan French, the CEO of Energy Consumers Australia to answer all those questions about Energy and small business and explain how ECA is advocating for small businesses in the energy policy space.

PEOPLE –  Tell the audience about how ECA works to advocate for small businesses in the energy system? How does it influence decision makers in Government and what is its relationship with regulators to make the energy system fair and equitable for small business? How do small businesses think about energy and how does the Government think about small businesses? Is there a disconnect?

POLICY - what are the key considerations for small business and energy policy? What do policy makers need to consider as the priorities?

PURPOSE -  The clean energy transition is upon us but many small businesses don’t know what their role is or what deadlines they have to meet. Is there anything the Government can do to keep them informed?

Dr Brendan French is a leading consumer protection and dispute resolution expert, with extensive executive experience across corporate, academic, public, and community spheres.

Prior to joining Energy Consumers Australia as CEO, Brendan championed consumer interests as the Commonwealth Bank’s Executive General Manager Customer and Community Advocacy and before that as Deputy Ombudsman at the Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON). He also taught in the Law School at Western Sydney University, was a Board director for a number of consumer and charitable organisations, and is a published author of academic and popular texts. Brendan holds a doctorate in the History of Ideas and has been awarded for his innovative work on fostering trust between community, corporates and government.

To find out more go to: https://energyconsumersaustralia.com.au/

EP#232 ~ Closing remarks from the 2024 COBSOA National Small Business Summit

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #231
Broadcast date: 30 April 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guest: Hon Bruce Billson, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman

Back in April 2024, Small Biz Matters was lucky enough to attend the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia’s National small business summit. COSBOA is the peak body representing the entire small business community in policy, advocacy and media on the national stage.

 

It speaks directly to ministers and departments and policy makers everywhere. So you can imagine the importance placed on its national summit – which each year the opportunity to set the national policy agenda for small business; which as our regular listeners will know, is EVERY area of policy. And this year they listened with leaders including the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in their speeches speaking of the importance of small business to our economy and our nation.

 

The closing remarks from the Summit were presented by Hon Bruce Billson, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman. He spoke about the policy areas covered by the conference but also highlighted the desperate need for well thought out policy measures by Government to secure the future of small business in the economy, our communities and in our lives.

PEOPLE –  Who did we hear from at the Summit - the politicians, the regulators and the advocates.

POLICY - What new policy suggestions were made? What are the policy priorities for small businesses (NOT the Government) right now?

PURPOSE -  Who REALLY has the finger on the pulse of small businesses? What SHOULD policy settings be trying to achieve for Australia's 2.2million small businesses... And what about the self employed?

Bruce Billson commenced his role as Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) in March 2021. The Ombudsman is an independent advocate for small and family businesses.
Bruce brings three decades of experience, knowledge, commitment and an understanding of the issues facing small business. Bruce was the Australian Government Cabinet Minister for Small Business from 2013-2015, a founding Director of Judo Bank and has held various board appointments, including the Franchise Council of Australia, Deakin University Business School and Australian Property Institute. He has also owned and operated a number of small businesses, and knows first-hand the joys and challenges this involves.

To find out more go to: https://www.asbfeo.gov.au

 

EP#231 ~ Mergers and acquisition law changes - whos' thinking about small business?

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #231
Broadcast date: 30 April 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guest: Gina Cass-Gottlieb, Chair, Australian Competition Consumer Commission

Competition is a major part of law reform which affects all small businesses. Whether it’s a small grocer in a regional town or a newsagent in a major city’s shopping centre, having a level playing field is paramount to small business community survival.

And without it, there is a serious impact on communities themselves.

A reduction in foot traffic as a new shopping mall is built nearby, changes to infrastructure which bypasses a regional town’s city centre in an effort to improve traffic, a big box retailer moving into the middle of town... these changes not only affect small businesses but their ability to grow, hire more people and continue to support their community.

So, who’s thinking of small businesses when these laws are being designed? It’s the ACCC. The Australian Competition Consumer Commission’s role has unique powers to administer and enforce the 2010 Competition and Consumer Act and other legislation promoting competition.

Whether it’s a big giant company gobbling up the competition with view for a bigger market share or a multinational company buying land to lock out their smaller competitors, or a large shareholder led conglomerate sidestepping competition laws by moving into a different segment the ACCC is keeping an eye on them to level the playing field.

Today we welcome Gina Cass-Gottlieb, Chair of the ACCC to tell us about the important work they are conducting to ensure small business voice and perspective is heard in these complex negotiations.  

PEOPLE –  Can you explain the unique powers of the ACCC? What are the benefits to small business to have a strong, vigorous competition in their sector?

POLICY - Often the public reads about multiple enquiries into aspects of competition (in this instance the grocery sector); ACCC, Treasury, sometimes ACTU. Is it necessary? Isn’t this a duplication? How do ACCC enquiries differ? the franchising code of conduct is administered by the accc and was recently reviewed by a former deputy chair of the ACCC, Dr Michael Schaper. It’s endorsed the ACCC’s suggestion to move to a licensing system. Where are we up to with that proposal?

PURPOSE -  The law regarding unfair contract terms has recently been amended to improve protections for SB. How’s that working out? Should small businesses fear the ACCC? After all, many see the sale of the business as succession planning and don’t want any limitations placed on this as a possibility for their business. Can you explain the merger reform and this will benefit small business? How will increased regulation not mean more red tape?

Gina Cass-Gottlieb commenced her 5-year appointment as Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on 21 March 2022. Before she joined the ACCC Gina was a senior and founding partner of Gilbert and Tobin’s competition and regulation team. Gina has over 25 years' experience advising on a large number of merger, competition and regulatory matters in Australia and New Zealand. She is widely recognised as one of Australia’s leading competition and regulatory experts.

Gina was appointed by the Commonwealth Treasurer to the RBA’s Payments System Board in 2013 and again inin 2018. Gina was appointed to the Financial Regulator Assessment Authority in September 2021 and for 10 years Gina was a director on the board of the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation.

Gina chairs the Digital Platforms Board and Financials Service Inquiry Board, and is a member of the Consumer Data Right Committee, Enforcement Committee, Infrastructure Committee and Communication Committee, Mergers Review Committee and the East Coast Gas Market Board, Electricity Markets Inquiry Board and Supermarkets Inquiry Board. Gina is also a member of the Bureau of the OECD Competition Committee.

Gina holds Bachelor of Economics and Laws degrees from the University of Sydney and was a Fulbright Scholar at UC Berkeley from 1986 to 1987, obtaining a Master of Laws degree, majoring in US competition law, comparative constitutional law, financial institutions regulation and securities regulation.

Gina is the first female Chair of the ACCC since it was established as an independent statutory authority in 1995.

EP#230 ~ What is the PPSR and why do small businesses, associations and advisors need to know about this tool?

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #230
Broadcast date: 23 April 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guest: Tim Beresford CEO Australian Financial Security Authority

So many acronyms, so little small business time. But the PPSR is one you and your advisors should know about. Why? Because it’s free, it helps to protect your assets and your business. PPSR stands for the Personal Property Securities Register which is an official government register; a public noticeboard of security interests in personal property that is managed by the Registrar of Personal Property Securities. According to the Attorney General’s department it must be reliable, managed responsibly and is accessible.

But that’s not much use if small businesses, the ones who can benefit the most, don’t know about it. So, who the AFSA is and what they regulate and enforce, how the PPSR came about and what important role advisors and associations can play in assisting small businesses to manage their assets?

The AFSA also manages the application of bankruptcy laws in Australia, which right now, is a big deal for small businesses. According to CreditorWatch’s most recent research, Australia is on track to see 10,000 small businesses collapse by the end of June, the worst number in 11 years. CreditorWatch has said the number of businesses in external administration has hit a record high.

Today we welcome Tim Beresford, the CEO of the Government regulator in charge of Australian Financial Security Authority to tell us about the importance of their work in engaging with small business in all industries and how they’re working harder to ensure more small businesses can take advantage of the PPSR and understand better the regulations around bankruptcy and personal property.  

PEOPLE –  Tim, tell us about yourself and how you’ve come to be an advocate for small business in this space? How can small business people best utilise the personal property security services in their businesses? Who should they go to for advice?

POLICY - Bankruptcy and personal property securities laws seem like a personal problem but we know the Government is very concerned about small businesses too. How has the COVID insolvency laws impacted the current state of small businesses?

PURPOSE -  How did the PPSR come about and what problem is it trying to solve? Who does AFSA regulate and enforce? Advisors play an important role in assisting small businesses to manage their assets - how can the Aust Financial Security Authority and advisors work better together to help small businesses to manage their assets?

Tim Beresford is the Chief Executive at the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA), having joined the agency in mid-2022. AFSA’s role is to support a strong credit system for Australia and is a visible, modern and contemporary regulator. The agency administers and regulates the personal insolvency and personal property securities systems and manages criminal assets.  Tim is also the immediate past Chair of the Benevolent Society (TBS), Australia’s oldest non-Indigenous not for profit.

Previously, Tim has held the roles of Acting Chief Executive of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), Deputy Vice- Chancellor of Macquarie University and First Assistant Secretary of the Social Policy Division in Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. He has significant leadership experience in the higher education, government, not-for-profit, financial services and professional services sectors. His areas of expertise include strategy, governance, public policy, change management and organisational design. He holds a Bachelor of Economics (Honours), Bachelor of Laws, a Masters of Philosophy (International Relations), and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Relations) and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

To find out more go to https://www.afsa.gov.au

EP#229 ~ The Franchise Code review - what does a review mean for small businesses in the sector?

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #229
Broadcast date: 16 April 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guest: Dr Michael Schaper, Board Chair, small business advocate and policy specialist

There is a sector of the small business community that is even more regulated than others but there is a good reason for that. Due to some bad actors in the sector in the past, Franchising has been under scrutiny and so has the Government and the way the Franchise code is managed.

It’s not just stock or a shop or a brand you’re buying, you’re entering a complex contract which is in fact a long term relationship. And like long-term relationships, things can sometimes turn sour. Franchisees can sometimes be the victim of poor contract terms, unfair, or inequitable relationships with the company they paid a lot of money to, for the privilege of using their brand and not get the relationship they paid for.

According to the Franchise Council of Australia, franchising is a $146bn sector and there are approximately 1,200+ different franchise systems, over 800,000 franchised businesses and the sector employs more than 500,000 people. Ans that’s a big chunk of the economy we need to get right.

In 2014, the government introduced The Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes-Franchising) Regulation 2014 (Franchising Code) regulates the conduct between participants in franchising which is regulated by the ACCC. The code was created to establish walls between the two parties to make the relationship more fair and equitable.

Today we welcome Michael Schaper, who’s going to tell us all about the 2024 franchise code review. He was one of Australia’s first small business commissioner’s, a previous deputy commissioner for the ACCC, named COSBOA’s small business champion in 2009, and a passionate advocate for small businesses around Australia.

PEOPLE –  You have been involved in small business policy, making and codesign for many years; tell us about your journey and why you’re so passionate about helping the sector. Can you tell us about the franchising community and what impact and benefit does it provides to the economy?

POLICY - Why does the franchisee code exist? And how does influence policy in other areas when government is making decisions about small business? How many reviews have their been and in the past, what has changed?

PURPOSE -  What were your key recommendations as part of the review, and which would be the most important to be implemented to help the sector?

Michael has substantial experience across the small business sector. He served as one of the country's first Small Business Commissioners (for the ACT), held the first designated professorial chair in small business at an Australian university, and was the inaugural Deputy Chair (small business) within the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission. In 2009 he was named as the COSBOA national small business champion. More recently, he has worked on a number of SME projects for the United Nations, Asian Development Bank, and the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. Today he chairs a number of boards in Australia, and in 2023 was asked to review the Franchising Code of Conduct for the federal Small Business Minister.

To find out more go to: https://treasury.gov.au/publication/p2024-487230#:~:text=On%208%20February%202024%2C%20the,by%20its%20Terms%20of%20Reference

EP#228 ~ Environmental, Social, Governance. How can policy makers reduce the burden of ESG reporting on small businesses?

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #228
Broadcast date: 9 April 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guest: Dr Stephen Morse, ESG Strategist & Founder Unchained & Serena Stewart Head of Strategic Partnerships, Business/Law School at UTS

If you asked a small business owner if they had processes which showed consideration, fairness and equality when hiring new staff, that they were making considerable effort to reduce their impact on the environment and be more sustainable, and had all their paperwork up to date with ASIC; the vast majority would say yes, they were working on all of that or had it nailed. But if you said to the same small business person: Are you meeting your ESG reporting requirements they would probably look at you quick blankly and ask what that stands for.

Yet another reporting requirement, is what it stands for. Something small businesses are not ready for, is what it stands for. But what it IS, is the reality coming down the pipeline. Yet many small businesses owners are unaware of the impact of ESG reporting requirements, what and when they need to take action and how it will change their business significantly if they’re not ready.

Luckily, we’ve got Dr Stephen Morse on the Small Biz Matters again. You’ll remember him from a few years ago when he came onto our radio show to talk about another set of requirements : Anti-Slavery reporting requirements. He’s joining us once again to support small businesses to understand what they need to do and where to get help. Plus,

Serena Stewart from UTS will be jumping in to tell us all about the ESG survey they are developing and they’re asking for your help to make policy better!

PEOPLE –  Tell us about your journey and how you became so passionate about helping small businesses to navigate regulation like ESG and anti-slavery requirements. What sort of small business people are the most vulnerable if they don’t start planning out how ESG will affect their business? Are you concerned that small businesses will be left with another overly-onerous reporting regime they don’t understand? What is working elsewhere in the world?

POLICY - Is the solution for ESG additional regulation really just reg-tech or do you think the Government needs to consider small businesses at the co-design phase? Which is more efficient: Should we be designing ESG reporting methods around different segments of small businesses or allow big business to dictate what they need to see from their supply chain

PURPOSE -  What exactly is ESG and why do small business people need to be aware of it and starting to plan NOW for the changes coming? Where is a good place to start? Will it be mandatory? How can we make it as easy as possible for small businesses to report and what do you think the Government needs to do now in its policy settings to support the transition?

Dr Stephen Morse is CEO of Unchained Solutions Pty Ltd, a Sydney-based facilitation and advisory firm that enables organisations to make a meaningful contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and improve their ESG reporting and CSR commitments. Unchained’s solutions are designed to help local and global teams to thrive. Stephen has over 25 years’ experience in entrepreneurial leadership in the not-for-profit and private sectors, both in Australia and overseas. He’s a seasoned public speaker, thought leader and strategist who brings an engaging and refreshing perspective on business and human rights due diligence in supply chains. Stephen obtained his Doctorate in Human Trafficking Intervention through Fuller Theological Seminary in 2016, and MBA through University of Technology Sydney in 2020. He currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Freedom Business Alliance. He also Chairs the Ethics Committee of the Australasian Supply Chain Institute and the Communications & Capacity Building Working Group of the Commonwealth 8.7 Network.

To find out more go to: https://unchainedsolutions.com.au

Serena is currently the Head of Strategic Partnerships for the UTS Business School and UTS Faculty of Law. She has 15 years’ experience in new business and program development management with a strong focus on strategising, developing, planning, implementing, and managing multifaceted programs with industry, government and community (domestically and internationally) to support multidisciplinary research projects and enterprise learning activities (I.e., funding, resourcing and advocacy).

She has built an extensive network across multiple sectors, comprising of senior executives, high net worth individuals, government, and leading corporate organisations and demonstrated the capacity to raise revenue from multiple channels (primarily industry and philanthropy), generating approximately $205M, with the funds supporting major capital infrastructure projects, research and education.

EP#227 ~ Sandy Chong One of the most influential industry leaders. What drive these advocates?

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #227

Broadcast date: 2 April 2024

Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor

Guest: Sandy Chong, CEO of Australian Hairdressing Council

There is a sector of the small business community who has always been on the business frontline and constantly impacted by macro and micro economics. They are the embodiment of small business people :  First in line to feel it when consumers tighten their belts, often holding together a regional community, quick to feel the pain of supply chain issues, wondering how they’re going to pay their energy, rent and wages bills, listening to customer’s woes whilst wondering how they’ll keep their on doors open... They wear all the hats and suffer all the consequences of poor Government decisions.

Yet without them we would grind to a halt – which is what happened during COVID when we all realised how much we need their listening ear, their business to flourish so young people in our community can get a head start and of course, their magic touch to make us feel good and a smile as you enter their salon. I am of course, talking about Hairdressers.

And there is no one. And I mean no one out there who is more dedicated, passionate, fearless and fabulous than today’s guest, Sandy Chong. So strap yourself in and hit that record button; she’s about to share with us a rollercoaster of a career as an advocate, a business leader, an industry leader and a formidable woman in Canberra.

PEOPLE - Tell us a bit about your background and why you are so passionate about advocating for small businesses in your industry. What have been the highs and lows of advocacy? How difficult do you find it to engage with small business to help advocate for them?

POLICY - What areas of policy are you focused on right now? And who do you tend to speak with and on what formats/roundtables?  Do you touch on all levels of government?

PURPOSE - What policy issues matter most to small businesses in your industry? Does that change from year to year? How do you deal with the slow pace of change in government policy? What are the biggest threats to them? Are the needs of small businesses in your industry different to that of small businesses in other industries?

Sandy Chong is a key influence in the Hairdressing Industry. Currently she is the CEO/Director of the Australian Hairdressing Council and past Director of COSBOA (Council Of Small Business Organisations Of Australia) representing small business. She speaks on behalf of the industry to Government, creating relationships to support an industry that is often overlooked.

Her role at the AHC has established better business practices, training and education and building sustainable careers for the future of the industry.

Sandy’s vision is to create an industry that has the highest possible standards in ethics, technical ability and workplace practices.

Owner of her own salon Suki for 38 years, Sandy is a business multi award winner as well as being inducted into the Industry's Hall Of Fame and is also the recipient of The Australian Hair Industry Special Recognition Award. She is a respected industry source for the media and has been interviewed as a guest on countless television, radio, press and online platforms. 

To find out more go to: https://www.theahc.org.au

EP#226 ~ Why should Regional, Rural and Remote communities be front and centre of small business policy planning? We ask a passionate thought leader.

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #225

Broadcast date: 19^th March 2024

Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor

Guest: Elizabeth Skirving, CEO of Rural Business Tasmania

Small businesses are often (when it is convenient) referred to as the “backbone of the economy” but nothing could be closer to the truth in regional, rural and remote communities. They literally are the fabric binding economic success, growth, jobs, training and the survival of many communities.

Its not the big businesses running down the flooded or fire ravaged high streets supporting communities immediately after a disaster or when a call to action is heard to support a community or sporting group. It’s the small businesses who are quick to lend a hand, equipment, resources and even just a listening ear to their friends and family which is their community.

So what can be done to keep these small businesses front and centre of policy and planning? Is this a local, state or federal issue? Are councils doing enough and leading the way? Does the Federal Government in Canberra even know how important a regional high street is to the communities? And how can Government do a better job of listening to their leaders?

Today, Elizabeth Skirving – quite frankly a bonafide thought leader in this space and CEO of Rural Business Tasmania and Director of COSBOA, joins us to share her thoughts on how Government can improve their engagement and strategy to support small business in regional, rural and remote areas so they can continue to grow and support their communities and the national economy.

PEOPLE - Tell us a bit about your background and why you are so passionate about advocating for small businesses in regional, rural and remote policy. Why is it so critical for small business to be considered when developing regional policy in Australia? How do you find the balance between the social needs of regional communities and the economic needs of the small businesses which are part of their fabric?

POLICY - What areas of policy are you focused on right now? And who do you tend to speak with and on what formats/roundtables? Why is it critical small businesses in regional areas are considered at the co-design period of policy development?

PURPOSE - What regional issues matter most to small businesses? What are the biggest threats to them in regional Australia? Are the needs of small businesses in RRR really that different to that of small businesses in metro or city areas?

Elizabeth is passionate about Tasmania, and in promoting good business management to ensure prosperous rural and regional communities continue. She believes in supporting local communities and business.

With a background in finance and business, Elizabeth has been CEO of Rural Business Tasmania since 2006 with a board portfolio which includes previous Deputy Chair, Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia COSBOA, Director of Tasmanian Agricultural Productivity Group, Director of Tasmanian Small Business Council and as an Industry representative of Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) Advisory Board.

As a 5th generation of a farming family who were active within their community and industry, she has a long history of community involvement including board experience with various not-for-profit associations, including a substantial time with Rural Youth Tasmania and current Hon. Auditor for Encore Theatre Co Inc.  

Established in 1986, Rural Business Tasmania Inc is a not-for-profit association that primarily offers financial counselling and business support expertise to rural and regional communities. It’s key objective is to help rural families, businesses, and the community manage the ever-evolving demands and challenges facing the primary industry sector.

To find out more go to: https://www.ruralbusinesstasmania.org.au

EP#225 ~ Big Tech sometimes plays the smallbiz advocate but do they really represent the small business voice?

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #225

Broadcast date: 5^th March 2024

Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor

Guest: Emma Clarke, Chief Operating Officer, Mable

Increasingly, big tech companies are playing the role of advocate on behalf of their small business users. Some even have branches dedicated to governance and ensuring the data is aggregated, safe to share and presented so policymakers can read it as a reflection of what matters most to small businesses.

There are some tech companies who use their data for the power of good. They use it to support advocacy efforts that shape policies to ensure the views of their small business customers are well-represented both directly to the Government and through organisations like COSBOA and industry associations.

However, some tech companies only use data to further their corporate bottom line. Unfortunately, this is a practice that happens worldwide.

So, how do policymakers tell the difference? Should big tech and its data be the advocate for small businesses? Especially when the sector can not produce data themselves. And where do the big four consulting firms fit into this picture?

Today, Emma Clarke, the Chief Financial & Operations Officer for Mable, joins us to discuss how Mable supports small business owners in the care and support sector. We will explore how Mable uses data to ensure that its business decisions and advocacy efforts align with its platform users' needs, wants and preferences.

PEOPLE – Tell us about how this small tech start up and been so successful? When it Why does a company like Mable find itself in this position of being an advocate for contractors? In a practical sense, how do you do this and why?

POLICY – What sort of an influence does big tech have in policy? Were you surprised by this and how did you prepare the organisation to grow in this direction? In which areas of policy do you have the most impact and with which organisations do you collaborate with to improve the landscape for your small business members?

PURPOSE How do you balance profitability and sustainability with the expectation that big tech has a role to play in social licensing and social responsibility these days?

Emma has a Bachelor of Business from Monash University and is Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) qualified. She held executive roles at Redbubble Group, ANZ’s Technology Division and Diners Club Australia.

Emma ensures sound financial management and continuous improvement in all systems, processes and people development at Mable. She’s also responsible for our high-quality customer service.

“It’s very rare to have the opportunity to work in a company that is fast moving and high growth, but also full of purpose-driven people working together to enable everyone in our society to remain in their homes whilst living their best life.”

Mable is where you can live your kind of independence
Since 2014, our online platform has connected Australians looking for disability and aged care support to independent support workers. Mable is where people provide and receive the kind of support they want, enjoying more choice, control and flexibility.

 

To find out more go to: https://mable.com.au

EP#224 ~ How do economists influence policy inside and outside of government?

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #224

Broadcast date: 27^th February 2024

Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor

Guest: Stephen Walters, Chief Economist Business Council of Australia (BCA)

There is a group of boffins who wield influence and power in Canberra and across the state and local governments too. And it is just as well since they know the effect of policy and politics on businesses and the economy as a whole.  But the big question we’re going to ask today is how well do they understand and reflect the needs of small business in their research and policy work? We are, after all, the backbone of that economy!

We welcome to the show Stephen who as the previous Chief economist for NSW Treasury and Chief Economist with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and J.P. Morgan. He’s passionate about ensuring all stakeholders in the economy have a better knowledge of how macro economics shapes the real world we all live in and that which small businesses thrive.

PEOPLE – Tell us about your role as NSW Chief Economist during the pandemic. How have economists become so influential in the media and advocacy work and critical in the decision making process?

POLICY – How and which macro-economic factors most influence policy makers when designing that which so greatly impacts small business

PURPOSE Behind closed doors, what data really matters as opposed to the limited stats we hear about in the media? Does this between state and federal governments?

Stephen Walters is Chief Economist for the Business Council of Australia (BCA), based in Sydney.

He previously was Chief economist for NSW, based in NSW Treasury. Before joining Treasury, Stephen was Chief Economist with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and, for 14 years, was Chief Economist for investment bank J.P.Morgan. Stephen previously was Senior Economist with Access Economics in Melbourne and International Economist with Norwich Union and Alliance Capital in the United Kingdom. He also spent seven years as an Economist with the Treasury in Perth.

Stephen holds a Bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Western Australia and a Master's degree in applied finance from the University of Melbourne. He also has qualifications in journalism and graduated from the AICD's Company Directors Course in 2017. Stephen has published two books, with a third to be published soon.

Stephen is chair of the Executive Committee of the Australian Business Economists (ABE) and is a member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council (ASAC).

To find out more go to: Business Council of Australia