ARA applauds small business appointment

THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has congratulated Kate Carnell on her appointment as Federal Government’s first Small Business Ombudsman, with the peak retail industry body throwing its full weight behind Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s decision.

ARA Executive Director, Russell Zimmerman, said Ms Carnell’s appointment as Small Business Ombudsman is an excellent choice, and commended Mr Turnbull and Small Business Minister, Kelly Dwyer on their selection of Ms Carnell for the important post.

“On behalf of the ARA and the retail industry, I’d like to congratulate Kate Carnell and wish her all the best in her new role,” said Mr Zimmerman.

“Kate has done a fantastic job over the last couple of years in her role as CEO of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and we look forward to continuing our relationship with her as Small Business Ombudsman.

“Kate is a staunch supporter of small business, with a wealth of experience, having owned her own pharmacy, and held CEO roles at the Australian Food and Grocery Council, Beyond Blue, and Chief Minister of the ACT, among others.

“The ARA and Australian retailers hope to continue our strong association with Kate in helping to better small business in Australia,” Mr Zimmerman said.

"The ARA would also like to thank Mark Brennan, outgoing Small Business Commissioner for his work for the small business community over the past three years."

About the Australian Retailers Association:

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the retail industry’s peak representative body representing Australia’s $284 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. The ARA works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia.

For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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