COSBOA has revealed Mark Brennan as its 2011 Small Business Champion, after he played an integral role in developing and championing the Small Business Commissioner position.
Brennan was the inaugural Victorian Small Business Commissioner, appointed in 2003 and holding the position until 2010.
The Small Business Commissioner position was initially created in Victoria and is now being replicated in New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia. It was established to promote greater fairness in business via four main functions; information and education, review of government practices, investigation of small business complaints and dispute resolution.
According to COSBOA, as Australia’s first Small Business Commissioner Brennan has been instrumental in guiding and developing the role, delivering real practical benefit to small business in Victoria and setting a standard for all those across Australia who followed him.
“Thousands of small business people have had their disputes fixed quickly and cheaply because of Brennan’s skills and abilities. He has done this with an eye to keeping people in successful business relationships. Mark has caused government in Victoria to be more aware of and responsive to small business needs,” COSBOA Deputy Chair Ken Phillips said.
Brennan joins a number of high-profile previous winners, including Dick Smith, Alan Jones and David Koch.