EP#218 ~ What is the future of small business advocacy in 2024 and beyond?

By Alexi Boyd | Tuesday January 9

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #218
Broadcast date: 9th Jan 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guest: Kate Carnell AO

There are few people in Australia with more experience in small business policy, advocacy and purpose than Kate Carnell AO. Her resume as a community leader is impressive. Aside from a long career in policy and politics, Kate for five years fiercely fought for all small businesses as the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman. Prior to that she was the CEO of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and for many years the head of the Pharmacy Guild. Now she offers her advisory skills and experience as a Director and Chair on numerous boards in the tech, startup, social enterprise in the issues she cares most about; small business, mental health to continue to improve the lives of countless of small businesses.

So who better to discuss the future of small business advocacy in 2024 and beyond? I sat down with Kate to ask what the future holds for small business advocacy in the current political landscape, if anything can be done to improve governments consultation with small businesses before policy is set in stone, and whether the colour of the party in power really makes any difference.

I met with Kate a couple of months ago in Hornsby, and we had an excellent discussion.

PEOPLE - Kate, you’ve been involved in politics for many years and across many jurisdictions. What does the future look like for small businesses and regulation here in Australia? Does a different colour or party really make any difference?

POLICY - The reality is governments have a lot of impact on small business is through regulation and red tape. So realistically, is there anything that can be done, any  thought leadership thinking to improve this situation?

PURPOSE - In your opinion, is there a good place to start for small businesses who want to be more involved in reducing red tape?

Kate Carnell Company Director is the Chair Mable, Chair Racing and Sport Technology, Deputy Chair BeyondBlue, Chair Violet, Director Australian Made, National Co -Convenor of Liberals for Yes. Kate for five years fiercely fought for all small businesses as the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO). Prior to that she was the CEO of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and for many years the head of the Pharmacy Guild. Now she offers her advisory skills and experience as a Director and Chair on numerous boards in the tech, startup, social enterprise in the issues she cares most about; small business, mental health to continue to improve the lives of countless of small businesses.