The state government has announced Saj Abdoolakhan as the new small business commissioner and chief executive officer of the Small Business Development Corporation.
The state government has announced the appointment of Saj Abdoolakhan as the new small business commissioner and chief executive officer of the Small Business Development Corporation.
Mr Abdoolakhan replaces inaugural commissioner David Eaton, who served in the role since its establishment in 2012.
Mr Abdoolakhan brings experience from senior leadership roles within the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, where he led regulatory functions across the building and energy safety sectors.
The small business commissioner plays a key role in advocating for small businesses across WA, as well as leading the agency's operations.
Small businesses account for nearly 97 per cent of all businesses in the state, contributing more than $50 billion to the state's economy each year.
The SBDC's services include free advisory services, business skills workshops and low-cost dispute resolution.
The appointment enables the SBDC to continue its role in supporting the diversification of WA's economy and creating jobs for the future.
"I am pleased to welcome Saj Abdoolakhan as our state's small business commissioner and leader of the Small Business Development Corporation," Small Business Minister Jackie Jarvis said.
"Mr Abdoolakhan's wealth of regulatory, leadership and public sector experience makes him well-placed to build on the SBDC's important work in delivering practical support to small businesses and advocating on their behalf.
"Under Mr Abdoolakhan's leadership, I am confident the SBDC will continue to support the more than 247,000 small businesses that form the backbone of our state's economy and communities.
"I look forward to working with Mr Abdoolakhan as we continue to build a strong, sustainable future for small business across our state.
"I also acknowledge the outstanding legacy of inaugural commissioner, David Eaton, who set the standard for small business advocacy in Western Australia."
Mr Abdoolakhan will commence in the role on May 19.
Master Builders Association of WA chief executive Matthew Pollock welcomed today's announcement.
“Mr Abdoolakhan will bring to the role extensive experience from senior leadership roles within the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety," Mr Pollock said.
"He helped strengthen industry and helped shape the path for continued successes in the years ahead with more critically needed reforms."
Mr Abdoolakhan led regulatory functions across the building and energy safety sectors including as deputy director general of the Industry Regulation and Consumer Protection Group.
“From an industry perspective, the last few years have been the most challenging for our industry, and from a regulatory perspective it is acknowledged through his leadership, Mr Abdoolakhan worked tirelessly with industry bodies to address the challenges for the betterment of our industry and the public," Mr Pollock said.
“It is fair to say, at a national level, this leadership, engagement and collaboration were instrumental in shaping decisions which not only benefited the WA building and construction industry but set the benchmark for all jurisdictions," he said.
“We are confident that under Mr Abdoolakhan's leadership, the SBDC will continue to support the small businesses that form the backbone of our state's economy and communities."
