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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MORE than 60 senior business leaders and politicians will sell street magazine The Big Issue this week in a national campaign to shine a spotlight on homelessness and disadvantage.

Telstra CEO Andy Penn, PwC CEO Luke Sayers and Perpetual Managing Director and CEO Geoff Lloyd are among the high-profile cohort taking to the streets for half an hour to spruik the magazine from February 1-5.

ACTU President Ged Kearney and politicians including Premier of NSW Mike Baird, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Tanya Plibersek and Senator for the ACT Katy Gallagher are also taking part in the event.

The leaders will don The Big Issue’s trademark fluoro vest at various times and locations during the week.

The initiative is part of the fourth annual International Vendor Week (February 1-7, 2016), which raises awareness for the 11,000 people who sell street papers in 35 countries around the world.

For a list of guest sellers participating in International Vendor Week 2016, please visit http://www.thebigissue.org.au/news/2016/01/18/international-vendor-week/

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VICTORIAN Chamber of Commerce and Industry has welcomed the appointment of Kate Carnell to the role as Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman.

"The Victorian Chamber congratulates Ms Kate Carnell AO on her new role as Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman and welcomes her appointment to this important position," Victorian Chamber chief executive Mark Stone said.

"Ms Carnell has been a strong and effective advocate for small business in her previous role as Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and we look forward to continuing to work with her to advance the interests of Victorian small business," he said.

"The establishment of the Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman is strongly supported by the Victorian Chamber and is in-keeping with the united chamber movement’s Small Business – Too Big to Ignore 2013 election agenda.

"This important new position gives small business a stronger voice, helping them to continue to innovate, grow their workforces and achieve further success.

"We commend the Turnbull Government on this appointment and wish Ms Carnell all the best in her new role."

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, established in 1851, is the most influential business organisation in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

victorianchamber.com.au

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THE House of Representatives Agriculture and Industry Committee will conduct a public hearing in Wodonga on Thursday, January 28, for the inquiry into agricultural innovation.

Appearing at this first interstate hearing for the inquiry will be a range of local farming, research and scientific organisations with experience of emerging agricultural technology and barriers to its adoption.

The hearing will be held in the Meeting Room, The Cube Performing Arts Centre, 118 Hovell St, Wodonga:

Thursday, 28 January 2016

8.30am North East Catchment Management Authority

9.00am Mr Don Lawson OAM

9.30am NutriHealth International

10am Riverina Local Land Services

10.45am Alpine Valleys Dairy Pathways Project

11.15am Rutherglen Premium Lamb

11.45am Charles Sturt University

The public hearing will be webcast live at: http://www.aph.gov.au/News_and_Events/Watch_Parliament

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