FORMER Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO), Natalie James, was named Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA)’s Small Business Champion at the recent Vodafone National Small Business Summit.

Ms James was presented the award by Peter Strong, CEO of COSBOA and Mark McKenzie, ACAPMA CEO and chair of COSBOA, for her outstanding support to the small business community.

Mr Strong said over the past five years, Ms James had remained committed to removing red tape in workplace regulation, proving instrumental in regulating new penalty rates for small businesses and their employees. She also facilitated the launch of a dedicated helpline for small businesses to access workplace relations advice. 

“Usually, we look for people that champion a specific agenda or policy, not only in the small business industry, but across the board; however, this year’s pick was a very obvious one,” Mr McKenzie said. “This year we are giving it to a regulator.

“When you are an advocate, you look for a cooperative approach with regulators, ones that have enough punch to scare your membership in terms of managing the industry, but who also show a willingness to work with you. That’s why we chose Natalie James,” Mr McKenzie said.

COSBOA acknowledged Ms James’ “tireless work” during her time as Fair Work Ombudsman, changing the approach of the organisation to have a better understanding of small business owners and the way they operate.

Natalie James said it was a pleasant surprise to be acknowledged by COSBOA.

“I was genuinely surprised when Peter called to offer me this award, because I didn’t think of myself as a small business champion,” Ms James said. “Ultimately, what we all want and what is good for society is sustainable businesses, which means compliant businesses.

“It’s not fair for compliant businesses to be competing against those who aren’t doing the right thing, particularly those who are deliberately not doing the right thing as a business model and profiting from exploiting vulnerable workers.

“So it was incidental that I was also supporting businesses, especially small businesses, who are so very reliant on sources of advice from industry associations and government.”

Mr Strong said, “Ms James was always willing to listen; she used her position to influence change and was supportive and available to work with COSBOA and small businesses.

“The creation of the Small Business Helpline has been instrumental in providing advice on workplace relations.

“For four years, Natalie presented at the National Small Business Summit, speaking openly to small business leaders and representatives.We wish Natalie the very best in her next move and are proud to name her as a champion of small business for 2018,” Mr Strong said.

www.cosboa.org.au 

www.cosboa.nsbs.com.au

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ELO LIFE SYSTEMS Inc. has attracted Mario G. Pennisi to join as a resident director of its Australian subsidiary, located on the premises of the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Gardens Point Campus in Brisbane.

Elo-Australia is primarily focused on developing novel plant-based protein alternatives using its flagship ARCUS genome editing technology and multi-crop expertise.

“The demand for protein is growing faster than the ability to produce it in a reliable and sustainable manner,” Mr Pennisi said. “It is a milestone event to have the likes of Elo Life Systems establish a presence here in Australia, and I look forward to assisting them and the many Australian enterprises that will ultimately work with them to address this real challenge.” 

Mario Pennisi has more than 30 years experience in managing and growing commercial operations in the life sciences industry. He is a member of committees and advisory groups including the University of Queensland Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Faculty Board and Schools of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences Industry Advisory Board.

Mr Pennisi is a government-appointed member of the QUT Council, the chairman of Griffith University’s Clinical Trials Advisory Committee and a member of the Queensland Government Biofutures Industry Advisory Group.

“We are excited to have Mario join Elo at this critical stage of growth in the company,” Elo Life Systems CEO Fayaz Khazi said.

“With Mario’s keen interest in innovation, his experience and his insight in translational sciences, we hope to advance Elo’s mission of improving human health and wellness by forming strategic collaborations of high calibre within the Australian food and agriculture sectors.

“Mario is one of those rare talents who can help us bridge the gap between human health and agriculture.”

Mr Pennisi currently serves as the CEO of Life Sciences Queensland Limited. Prior to moving into this role, he was the CEO of Queensland Clinical Trials Network Inc.

www.elolife.ag

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FINANCIAL Services Council CEO Sally Loane has officially thanked retiring Senator John ‘Wacka’ Williams for his significant contribution to financial services reform in Australia.

“Senator Williams has played a pivotal role in bringing misconduct in the financial services sector to the attention of the parliament and the public,” Ms Loane said. 

“The FSC has always appreciated being able to have a constructive and open dialogue with Senator Williams, and we are grateful that he always displayed a keen interest in the role of financial services, listening and understanding different points of view.

“As someone who grew up in the New England district, where John and Nancy live and will be spending their retirement, I want to wish them all the very best for the future, on behalf of my team.

“The whole district is enduring a terrible drought at the moment, but the local communities are strong. They have been fortunate to have someone of the calibre of Senator Williams representing them for so long.”

The Financial Services Council (FSC) is a peak body which sets mandatory standards and develops policy for more than 100 member companies in Australia’s largest industry sector, financial services. FSC Full Members represent Australia’s retail and wholesale funds management businesses, superannuation funds, life insurers, financial advisory networks and licensed trustee companies. FSC Supporting Members represent the professional services firms such as ICT, consulting, accounting, legal, recruitment, actuarial and research houses.

www.fsc.org.au

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THE Screen Australia Board has reappointed CEO Graeme Mason for a further five-year term at the Federal Government agency.

Mr Mason commenced as CEO of Screen Australia on November 11, 2013 and during his tenure has steered the agency through some of the industry’s most significant changes, including the rise of digital originals, the growth of free-to-air multi-channels and catch-up services, plus the advent of commercial streaming. 

Over his 20-year career, Mr Mason worked in both factual and scripted TV programming in his native Australia before moving to the UK. In Britain he worked across all aspects of film production, sales and acquisitions, and distribution for companies such as Manifesto and Polygram Filmed Entertainment.

From 1998 to 2002 he was president of worldwide acquisitions for Universal Studios. He then joined Channel 4 Television as the head of media projects and later as managing director of Rights.

In 2009 Mr Mason relocated to New Zealand where he was CEO at the New Zealand Film Commission for four years.

Mr Mason grew up in the Blue Mountains, NSW. He recently completed a wide-ranging podcast interview regarding the challenges and opportunities in the Australian screen sector.

Screen Australia was established under the Screen Australia Act 2008 and from July 1, 2008, took over the functions and appropriations of its predecessor agencies, the Australian Film Commission, the Film Finance Corporation Australia and Film Australia Limited.

www.screenaustralia.gov.au

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