Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell.
When Kate Carnell reflects on her five years as Small Business Ombudsman, she says her proudest achievement has been in an area that was somewhat unexpected.
Speaking to
SmartCompany from her Canberra office on Monday, as she starts her final week as Ombudsman, Carnell recalls how when she started in the role she asked small businesses what they most wanted her to focus on.
She expected the answer to be industrial relations, but “they said payment times, by a long shot”.
The fact that payment times for small businesses is now a major issue, and that measurable improvements have been made, is at the top of Carnell’s list of highlights from serving as the first Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO).
Bill McKinley
From bushfires and a global pandemic to lockdowns and a national truck law review, 2020 has been a significant year for the trucking industry, who have been tried and tested. but come out on top.
Boosted by the support of our members and industry, the ATA was able to deliver great achievements for trucking in the face of adversity.
With our industry hit hard by the bushfires and the pandemic, it was our job to make sure industry members on the road, in the office and at the depot received the support and recognition they deserved.
A big issue was maintaining driver access to facilities at truck stops, distribution centres and customer sites. Together with our members, we campaigned hard to keep facilities open and engaged with governments to ensure these businesses adopted the national protocol to allow truck facilities and dining to remain open.