Carnell appointed first small business ombudsman

Former head of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Kate Carnell has been appointed as the first small businesses and family enterprise ombudsman.

The ombudsman role, which replaces the small business commissioner role, was first announced in the 2014 federal budget. Carnell will lead an office that is independent of government and will advocate for small businesses, act as a ‘concierge’ for dispute resolution as an alternative to litigation, and contribute to the development of federal laws and regulations related to small business.

The appointment was welcomed by the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) executive director Russell Zimmerman, who described Carnell as ‘a staunch supporter of small businesses’, as well as Council of Small Business Australia (COSBOA) CEO Peter Strong.

Carnell was previously ACT chief minister representing the Liberal Party from 1995 to 2000.

Carnell starts in the role on 11 March. For more information, click here.

Category: Local news