Darwin 19 July 2013. Minister for Business David Tollner has today appointed a new Business Advisory Council that will play an important role in framing policy and provide a voice for the business community.

The independent advisory body is made up of 11 members and will be chaired by the Right Reverend Bishop Greg Thompson, the Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of the Northern Territory.

Mr Tollner said creating this council was an election commitment designed to provide policy direction and to advise on the services provided by the Department of Business.

“The advisory council has been set up to cut through the white noise around business issues and get a clear line of communication with the players themselves,” Mr Tollner said.

“Delia Lawrie’s former Labor government ploughed ahead without listening to the concerns of businesses. This council has been set up to provide the business community with a voice.

“The members appointed represent a large variety of business sectors across the NT and are very active in the business community. They have been chosen to bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and will be a key source of strategic advice on business issues and emerging trends.

“They bring with them wide personal and professional networks from large and small businesses operating in the Territory, as well as a diverse range of interests and skills as individuals.”

At least one member has been appointed from each region including Alice Springs, Darwin, Katherine, Nhulunbuy and Tennant Creek.

Mr Tollner said the Country Liberals Government is committed to growing a thriving private industry and will continue to encourage private sector investment in the NT.

“This council will help to ensure that the services delivered by the Territory Government better reflect the expectations of business and industry.

“Under this government, the Department of Business will be a highly responsive and effective point of contact for business and we will make it our priority to make sure the services we offer meet the needs of business. We will do everything we can to help businesses succeed.”

Council members will work together to strengthen business capabilities so that they can respond to growth opportunities, government priorities, reduce red tape, and address emerging local, national and international issues.

Each council member has been appointed for an initial 12 months. Meetings will be held quarterly. The council’s terms of reference will be ratified at its first meeting and reviewed as appropriate.

BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS

Chair: Right Reverend Bishop Greg Thompson(Darwin) – the Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of the Northern Territory. Reverend Thompson is also Chair of Anglicare NT, one of the largest providers of government-funded welfare, social justice and community development programs in the NT. It operates over 75 services in urban, rural, regional and remote communities, manages 250 staff and 100 volunteers.

Ms Rachel Beaumont-Smith(Darwin) – Managing Director of Darwin Harbour Cruises. Ms Beaumont-Smith has a strong background in tourism and is vice-president of the regional tourism association, Tourism Top End.

Mr Steve Brouwer (Alice Springs) – varied business interests include property development, commercial property ownership and an airline catering company.

Mr Bruce Fadelli AM(Darwin) – Managing Director of a family company, Bromavic Properties Pty Ltd with over 38 years of business experience in the mining, construction, transport, tourism, retail and manufacturing sectors in the NT and the Asia Pacific region, particularly in Indonesia.

Mr Arthur Hamilton(Darwin) – Managing Director and founder of ShoreLands Group Pty Ltd, which supplies specialised labour and equipment to the NT’s expanding oil, gas and construction industries.

Mr Marc Loader(Alice Springs) – established HAS Business Solutions, a leading business and financial advisory firm in Alice Springs.

Mr Michael Milatos(Darwin) – Managing Director of his company Cento Pty Ltd and responsible for a number of residential and commercial developments in the Territory.

Mr Jason Newman(Tennant Creek) – Director of Eldorado Motor Inn and Heritage Caravan Park, Mr Newman understands business requirements in remote areas.

Ms Julie Newton(Katherine) - Managing Director of Growing Katherine Business. Ms Newton has held a number of positions including Chair of the Katherine Regional Development Advisory Board and Chair of YMCA Katherine inc.

Mr Denys Stedman(Darwin) – Managing Partner of accountancy firm KPMG Darwin, Ms Stedman has a wealth experience across many business sectors.

Mr John Tourish(Nhulunbuy) – owner of Gove and Beyond Pty Ltd with a solid background in tourism and hospitality.

The Terms of Reference for the Business Advisory Council are to:

Provide high level strategic and policy advice to the Minister for Business on business, economic development and industry issues.
Advise the Minister about the broad impact of decisions, policies and programs on small and medium businesses.
Advise the Minister on current and emerging local, national and international issues business issues and trends.
Advise the Minister on opportunities for initiatives to promote and strengthen business continuity, sustainability, growth, investment, productivity and innovation.
Advise the Minister on specific areas for business reform, reducing regulations and red tape, particularly those impacting on small and medium businesses.
Advise the Minister on policies and programs designed to enhance employment and training skills across the whole of the Northern Territory and advise generally on employment and training initiatives.
Respond to requests from the Minister for input on identified business issues.
Establish specialist working groups to address specific business objectives or projects.
Suggest alternative policy directions to the Government and Department.
Provide feedback and guidance from industry to the Minister on those issues of most importance to businesses in the Territory.