SBAA Small
Business Charter
of Australia

I have been in business since 1991 which I love immensely. As a business person, I love being my own boss, making my own decisions, being creative and being in charge of my destiny. My greatest passion is that of my association, The Small Business Association of Australia which I founded in 2010 and commenced operating in 2011.

I have been an employer and employee and fortunate to have worked in positions that I loved rather than a job that was a means to an end. As an employee, I worked in the Women’s Royal Australian Air Force (WRAAF), worked on air for Channel 6 Mackay and Channel 7 Rockhampton with my final employee position of 10 years being with Qantas.

It was in the airline industry that my love of organising and managing events was realised with notable events I was involved such as the Kiss Concert, Elton John and Fleetwood Mac, the Australian Ballet just to name a few and numerous golf tours.

My business foray commenced in 1991 with a business that dealt with the Japanese market then graduating to my own event management business a passion I still share to this day. This involved all aspects of event management from conceptual stage to the event being staged.

Today as Founder and CEO of Small Business Association my core objectives are to be the real voice of small business, minimise the rate of failure in small business, and to promote world’s best practice in business.

James Stokes is the Director of Stokes Lawyers. With over 15 years of professional services experience, James specialises in commercial law and is the managing director of commercial law firm Stokes Lawyers based in Logan.

James is a Chartered Tax Adviser with the Tax Institute of Australia and a Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialist in Business Law.

Following along with his strong belief in giving back to the community, James created Men’s Legal Services (a non-for-profit law firm), is a Director of Rivermount Education Limited and the Economics and Law Research Institute Limited.

James is also the consulting General Manager of WillPoint, Australia’s leading provider of death and probate notification and will locator services and the creator of Law365, which delivers legal services via an annual retainer model to business owners.

Why i support the sbaa think tank

I proudly support the work of the SBAA and the executive committee of its Think Tank. I believe that assisting and working with the community is part of being both a professional and a business owner. The SBAA provides a valuable voice for businesses and business groups across Australia.

Assisting in the development and implementation of community based ideas, the SBAA Think Tank is a valuable tool to agitate ideas and achieve positive directions for the business ecosystem.

As an executive member of the committee, it is my hope that my experience will assist the SBAA and its members.

Peter White is the Managing Director of the Finance Brokers Association of Australia Limited (FBAA) and has been heading the business of the FBAA since 2010 originally as its CEO. Peter first started as a volunteer with the FBAA in 2003 as the State President for NSW, then was later voted in as National Vice President then National President and Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Peter’s banking and finance background spans over 41 years where he started his banking and lending background in the ’70’s spending many years in retail banking. He established RAMS Home Loans first sales office in 1993, has held various profile CEO roles in mortgage broking and mortgage management businesses, as well as also held roles as Head of Private Banking, Associate Director of Marketing & Distribution of an Investment Bank, and has run broking businesses and industry consultancy businesses of his own.

As the finance broking sector’s leading voice for industry and non-banking alternatives, Peter spends a large amount of his time with Regulators and Government on specific Industry Consultation Committees with ASIC and Treasury, and with individual Senators and Senior Cabinet Ministers on behalf of the broking sector, as well as being a Registered Lobbyist in his own right.

He also sits on the SBAA’s Advisory Board and Think Tank Committee, is a champion and campaigner for Parents of Special Needs Children through his private charitable Foundation with his wife called The Sanity Space Foundation running much needed support for them with ready access to information, financial hardship support for those in need, and the awareness of issues and lobbying these needs to Government.

Peter is also the leading advocate for Mental Health Awareness in the finance industry.

Why the SBAA Think Tank

The SBAA Think Tank is a unique opportunity for micro & small businesses through a key-group of the SBAA to openly ‘whiteboard’ ideas and discuss the needs of the greater small business community whilst strategising and planning the path forward for small business in Australia as was as fostering international opportunities.The Think Tank has lead the way with government as to how businesses and the government need to work small businesses through the development of the first ‘Charter’ for small business, and is a continuing piece of important work with the Coalition Government and State Governments

Glen Day is the Director of Aruba Pty Ltd and has 30 years’ experience as owner/operator of 6 restaurants in the Hospitality Industry.
Glen is currently the Owner of the following restaurants on the Gold Coast;

Pancakes in Paradise, Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta
Montezuma’s Surfers Paradise
The Aztec Broadbeach, Coolangatta & Forster
The Aztec Factory Burleigh Heads
Current President of the Restaurant Industry Support Group Gold Coast
Owner of Cowbell Digital Music and Bluehawk Films

SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE

Glen has 30 years owning and operating on a day to day basis various small businesses on the Gold Coast.

Past Qld State Board Member Restaurant and Catering Association

Past President Gold Coast Restaurant and Catering Association

Appointed to Small Business Association of Australia Advisory Board

Linda is a futurist who has a fascination on how evolving technologies can be used in innovated ways and is also interested in improving the understanding of digital technology and its use in policy, education and engagement.

Linda is acknowledged as a thought leader and an architect of change in the small business and information management industries. Linda has provided business and government leaders with insights on new and evolving technology, communication and information initiatives. As a researcher, author, principal adviser, strategist, and policy advisor to the private and public sector Linda is committed to advancing knowledge in future drivers such as Data Science, Quantum Computing and Quantum mechanics to solve complex problems.

Linda is also interested in Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, Intelligent Process Automation, Digital Transformation, Intelligent Information Management, Robotics, Wireless Power, Digital Innovation, Education and Opportunity Management.

Linda has chaired, facilitated, organised and presented at numerous conferences and is the author of 6 books and numerous published articles, presentations and training materials. Linda is a dynamic and innovative leader with a strong background in designing, driving and managing digital modernisation programs. Her innovation, knowledge and expertise have been nationally and internationally recognised. Amongst her numerous industry awards is the prestigious international gold medal laureate for government innovation issued in Washington DC.

Caroline Barton, a Managing Partner of SC7 International, has 30 years of experience in corporate roles in ASX listed entities and as a small business owner, including the last 10 years as a Business Consultant. As a Think Tank member for the Small Business Association of Australia, Caroline leverages her extensive expertise in property development, education, governance, HR, and financial management to drive growth and success.

SC7 International specializes in coaching and consulting, with an emphasis on personal and professional development. On offer are strategic and holistic advisory services that guide businesses and their people to navigate complexities, move forward to the next level of growth and achieve sustainable success, reflecting Caroline’s commitment to cultivating resilience and excellence in the small business sector.

Brett Freudenberg is a Professor – Taxation at Griffith University (Australia). Brett is known for his research expertise in the tax law and policy issues facing private enterprises, as evidenced by his Fulbright Scholarship (2006) and over 70 refereed publications in leading Australian and international journals. Professor Freudenberg’s research has analysed whether Australia should introduce a tax flow-through company, the tax treatment of discretionary trusts and the motivation for choice of business structure. His research has also considered the tax issues confronting private enterprises, reforms for enterprises in the arts sector, as well as to facilitate Islamic finance.

Brett has also successfully supervised Honours and PhD students who have researched into the areas of tax literacy, effective use of debt, Australia’s superannuation system, as well as how private enterprises are affected by GST in terms of their cash flow, compliance cost and complexity. His excellence with research supervision was recognised with Higher Degree Research Supervision Award (2017).

Professor Freudenberg’s research has informed government policy as he was invited to present his PhD research findings to the Australian Treasury as part of the Henry Tax Review. Also his PhD was awarded the CCH-ATTA Doctoral Prize which saw it published as a book in 2011: Tax Flow-Through Companies. Brett’s research formed the basis of CPA Australia’s submission on Islamic finance to the Board of Taxation. He uses his extensive tax law knowledge to influence policy debate with appointments to the ATO Small Business Fix-It Squad and the Advisory Panel with the Board of Taxation.

Prior to commencing with Griffith University, Brett was a senior taxation consultant with KPMG and a lawyer with Corrs Chambers Westgarth.

WHY I SUPPORT THE SBAA THINK TANK

It is great to be part of the Think Tank and be able to make a positive contribution to formulate recommendations to government about reforms to the tax system to assist small business. Also, the Think Tank provides a great opportunity to hear about current tax issues that businesses are facing, and their ideas about how things could be improved.

Dr Ellis educates and mentors business owners who know their product and clientele, but need assistance in understanding how to fundamentally change and develop the very structure of their business over a short time, in order that it can achieve and sustain profitable growth.

With over 30 years practical experience and highest academic levels of business research, Peter is accepted as an experienced business pilot to guide, assist and mentor owners through the ‘dangerous uncharted channels’ and ‘treacherous changing seas’ of the business world. Dr Ellis is often called in when everyone else gives up!

Many businesses flounder as they pass the limit of their owner’s business knowledge, the actual boundary beyond which they have never speculated, or even known that there was any speculation to be done. Indeed, as a business transcends from one size to another, it is necessary for management to learn completely different mind-sets in line with the growth of the business.

Academically, Peter has a Masters and two doctorates in business survival, where he can assist forms stay in business and survive. His knowledge enables business owners understand what they should do to keep their firm steady, or how to change its structure as it grows. A fundamental management truth, is that a business cannot grow once it passes the boundary of the owner’s understanding of how a business of that size works.

He also works with Non-Absolute Numerology (NANs). These are numbers that vary without notice during the course of business activities, such as marketing plans or cash-flows. Through his knowledge and experience, he is able to find practical means of bringing to life, subjective strategic plans, formed from forward looking ideas of future possibilities.

Specialties: Interim culture-management for mergers and acquisitions; turnaround management; manufacturing cost management; retail stock purchase and management; organisational structure management; succession planning for managers and documentation of processes and procedures for quality systems.

WHY I SUPPORT THE SBAA THINK TANK

I am particularly interested in working through the SBAA to assist the government and world bodies understand and assist micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME). I know that having one set of rules for all the sizes has been the main reason for them failing. My 30 plus years practical experience, and an academic knowledge with a masters and two doctorates in business survival, can assist more firms to both stay in business and grow.

In addition, I am interested to work with the small business cyber safety as I have a software company that is working in that field.

Manish Karkhanis is part of SBAA Intentional Trade Services Sector. He supports and assists business owners through SBAA international trade services to enter the global market and grow their business internationally. Manish has the expertise as well as experience to assist Australian businesses that have unique products and services which have a global appeal.

Manish Karkhanis completed his Bachelor of Arts from Mumbai University, India.
Cabin Crew for a domestic airline for 6 years.
Brand Manager for an international clothing brand and set up flagship stores across India.
Core -Management Team, Head-Service Quality & Set-up operations for an International Airline across India

• Moved to Australia in 2006 and completed MBA at the Southern Cross University in Tweed Heads
• Formed Creative Communications Pty Ltd t/a Spatial Impacts an International Business Development Consultancy in 2009 in Tweed Heads.
• Extensive 10 years’ experience in international trade, business development, product & project management in diverse industries.
• Have managed international trade missions, government liaison, events and promotions across Asia, Middle East as well as Australia
• Affiliated with Indian Merchants Chamber, Mumbai.
• Member and Executive International Trade & Business Relations in Small Business Association of Australia and the honour of being on the Think Tank Committee.

Eric has had over 20 years’ experience consulting to government departments and businesses of all sizes, coupled with his prior experience in corporate enterprise. His expertise in business and leadership has been recognised through gaining the international professional qualification of Chartered Manager (Chartered Managers Institute), and through Fellowship with the Institute of managers and Leaders.

Further to this he has also been a 2-time mentor with the Australian Human Resources Institute and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

He also a very proud White Ribbon Ambassador and keep advocating this despite the current issues with the organisation. The purpose and cause are still very real, and we, as a society, need to do something to improve it every day!

Watching people become their best self is what drives him, truly enjoying bringing the best out in people. No two people are the same, so he treats everyone as the individual they are, ensuring the reach their own full potential.

Eric’s experience is coupled with substantial qualifications ensuring he brings both knowledge and experience to the table. Eric’s passion for micro to small business is what has driven him to join our Think Tank with the vision to help in advocating in the areas of Industrial relations reform to make it easier for small business to be complaint and reduce the current high-risk levels around compliance and potential fines. Furthermore, Eric wants to research and advocate into other areas of debilitating red-tape facing the profitability and function ability of micro to small enterprise.

Qualifications:

• MBA (USA)
• Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Griffith University)
• Graduate Certificate in Training and Development (Griffith University)
• Bachelor of Applied Management (Federation University)
• Advanced Diploma of Management (Human Resources)
• Workplace Laws for Business Advisers (Fair Work Ombudsman)
• Workplace Investigations
• Sexual Harassment Prevention
• Basic Psychology
• International Franchise Law
• Contract Management
• Mental Health First Aid
• Senior First Aid (HLTAID001, HLTAID002, HLTAID003)
• Provide Emergency Care for Suspected Spinal Injury (PUAEME004A)
• Level 2 Sports Trainer

Professional Memberships:

Chartered Managers Institute (CMI)

Fellow Institute Managers and Leaders (FIML)

Australian Human Resources Institute (CAHRI)

Australian Institute of Training and Development (AITD)

Vajira is an Advisor / Senior Accountant of Austral Accountants. Also a Senior Accountant at Forensic Accounting Group QLD.

Jay was also awarded Accountant of the Year from the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA).

Jay is an avid supporter of small business and hopes to contribute to improving small business rights in Australia.

I’m Joanne, a dedicated Business Strategy Thought Leader. In 2016, I made the tough decision to liquidate my $30 million business due to external factors and an inner sense of unfulfillment.

Currently, I’m fully engaged at ZEL Services & Logistics Pty Ltd, applying 30 years of expertise. Simultaneously, I serve as an Elite 100 coach for BEEKonnected and operate Navig8Biz. I also collaborate with Ducere Global Business School to introduce innovative European MBA programs to the Australian market, written by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs.

Despite wearing multiple hats, my core purpose remains consistent: to make a meaningful difference, motivating my actions across all roles.

Navig8 Biz is where my mission unfolds, empowering entrepreneurs to shape their ideal futures. I specialize in working with female leaders, building their inner and outer confidence, and rekindling self-belief for future success.

My self-discovery journey began with the challenging business liquidation, revealing my disconnect from purpose and leading to poor decisions.

Over 40 years, I’ve broken through barriers in my career, overcoming gender bias, imposter syndrome, and doubts from others. Mentors played a pivotal role in my journey of self-re-discovery, reawakening my passion.

I’ve spent the last five years assisting leaders in navigating success, helping them lead confidently and be valued for their impact.

My ultimate goal is to cultivate inspirational leaders by reconnecting my mindset, heart, and gut.

Ash has been responsible for growing business and building relationships in Europe, USA, Asia, and ANZ. A Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from the prestigious Pune University (India), Ash has lived and worked with clients in at least 10 countries globally and brings his expertise in growing business and managing regions with diverse cultures.

Ash’s philosophy “Spread Passion with Respect and Compassion” is the hallmark he believes in passionately, in professional and personal sphere of life.

Ash is also closely associated with philanthropic activities as a Trustee and Secretary for Samarth (samarthtrust.in), which imparts education to children in remote and economically weak regions and for aborginals in multiple parts of India (state of Maharashtra and Gujarat, as of now, and expanding to Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Orissa and Telangana).

Ash is also an organiser of suburban event “DiwaliInOxley – A Multicultural Fest” which has been running since 2022, and has organised other community events like Namaste World, India Day Fair, and many others. As a part of his leisure activities, he likes to play badminton, travel, watch cricket, and follow politics very closely.

Professor Eddie is an international expert in environmental, sustainability and corporate governance (ESG), financial technology, financial analytics, venture capital and private equity finance, organizational leadership, and corporate accounting.  His research is focused on the development and application of financial innovations via startup business enterprises and their application in market, community and city ecosystems.  Contemporary research projects include the application of the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (UN SDGs) by corporations, governments, and not-for-profit organizations.

Professor Eddie has a distinguished record of service to a range of organizations as a board member, audit committee member and consultant.  He is currently a member of the project team for the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) developing resilience scorecards for small island nation states and communities. He served as a board member of the Corporations and Markets Advisory Committee to the Australian Federal Treasurer, a member of the Audit Committee of the Corporations and Markets Advisory Committee, Deputy Chairman of the Gold Coast Surf Industry Taskforce and Gold Coast Surf City Incorporated, a board member of the Australian National Business Schools consortium, a consultant to Grant Thornton International Vietnam, the State Securities Commission of Vietnam, the Asia Development Bank and the Securities Institute of Australia.