COSBOA NAMES WORKPLACE WATCHDOG SMALL BUSINESS CHAMPION 2018
Announcement posted by COSBOA 03 Sep 2018
Natalie James, former Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO), has been named Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA)’s Small Business Champion at the Vodafone National Small Business Summit.
Ms James was presented the award by Peter Strong, CEO of COSBOA and Mark McKenzie, CEO, ACAPMA and Chair of COSBOA, for her outstanding support to the small business community, on Friday 31 August.
Over the past five years, Ms James has remained committed to removing red tape in workplace regulation, proving instrumental in regulating new penalty rates for small businesses and their employees. Natalie 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. 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,” said Mr McKenzie.
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.
“Thank you so much to Peter, Mark and 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. 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. Thank you so much for this acknowledgement. It was lovely to be here at the COSBOA Summit, at what has clearly been a very successful and impactful event over the last two days,” said Ms James.
Peter Strong, CEO, COSBOA, said it was an honour to award Ms James the Small Business Champion of 2018.
“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,” said Mr Strong.
To find out more about COSBOA, visit: www.cosboa.org.au
To find out more about the Summit, visit www.cosboa.nsbs.com.au
#NSBS18
Media Contacts:
Further information, images, interviews or industry commentary are available on request.
Zadro
+61 2 9212 7867
Jessica McLean, Account Manager | +61 400 433 182 | jessica@zadroagency.com.au
Debbie Bradley, Group Account Director | +61 420 761 189 | debbie@zadroagency.com.au
Event Contacts:
For event information and registration, please contact The Association Specialists
Tel: +61 2 9431 8600
Email: nsbs@cosboa.org.au
Website: http://www.cosboansbs.com.au/welcome
Notes to Editors:
Images:
1. Mark McKenzie, CEO, ACAPMA and Chair of COSBOA; Natalie James, former FWO and Peter Strong, CEO of COSBOA.
2. Natalie James, former Fair Work Ombudsman
3. Peter Strong, CEO, COSBOA
Ms James was presented the award by Peter Strong, CEO of COSBOA and Mark McKenzie, CEO, ACAPMA and Chair of COSBOA, for her outstanding support to the small business community, on Friday 31 August.
Over the past five years, Ms James has remained committed to removing red tape in workplace regulation, proving instrumental in regulating new penalty rates for small businesses and their employees. Natalie 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. 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,” said Mr McKenzie.
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.
“Thank you so much to Peter, Mark and 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. 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. Thank you so much for this acknowledgement. It was lovely to be here at the COSBOA Summit, at what has clearly been a very successful and impactful event over the last two days,” said Ms James.
Peter Strong, CEO, COSBOA, said it was an honour to award Ms James the Small Business Champion of 2018.
“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,” said Mr Strong.
To find out more about COSBOA, visit: www.cosboa.org.au
To find out more about the Summit, visit www.cosboa.nsbs.com.au
#NSBS18
-ENDS-
Media Contacts:
Further information, images, interviews or industry commentary are available on request.
Zadro
+61 2 9212 7867
Jessica McLean, Account Manager | +61 400 433 182 | jessica@zadroagency.com.au
Debbie Bradley, Group Account Director | +61 420 761 189 | debbie@zadroagency.com.au
Event Contacts:
For event information and registration, please contact The Association Specialists
Tel: +61 2 9431 8600
Email: nsbs@cosboa.org.au
Website: http://www.cosboansbs.com.au/welcome
Notes to Editors:
- For more information on COSBOA visit cosboa.org.au
- Interviews with Peter Strong, CEO of COSBOA are available upon request
- Connect through social media channels:
- Facebook: /COSBOA
- Twitter: @COSBOA
- LinkedIn - COSBOA: COSBOA
- LinkedIn – Peter Strong: Peter Strong
- Hashtag: #NSBS18
Images:
1. Mark McKenzie, CEO, ACAPMA and Chair of COSBOA; Natalie James, former FWO and Peter Strong, CEO of COSBOA.
2. Natalie James, former Fair Work Ombudsman
3. Peter Strong, CEO, COSBOA