In Episode 47, “The Wake Up Call”, Blenheim Partners‘ Gregory Robinson speaks to Kate Carnell AO, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman. She previously held the position of Chief Executive Officer for The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which represents more than 300,000 businesses across Australia, Beyond Blue, the Australian Food and Grocery Council, the Australian General Practice Network and the National Association of Forest Industries. Kate was also the Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory from 1995 to 2000.
A pharmacist by profession, Kate ran her own small businesses for fifteen years, and went on to become the first female to become the National Vice-President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. In 2006, Kate was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for her services to the community through contributions to economic development and support for the business sector, knowledge industries, the medical sector and medical technology advances.
In a powerful conversation, Kate brings to light the reality small businesses have to face as they try to survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing the constant ambiguity and the confronting issues, from hidden unemployment, mental health, to battles with landlords, we discuss how the time has arrived for us to wake up and seize the opportunity, as a nation, to cut the red tape and come together, embody the spirit of the entrepreneur and support the bedrock of the Australian and global economy.
Please note the podcast was recorded on 25th June 2020

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