Sydney, 27 October, 2006: The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) is seeking around eight more small business owners to participate in its Small Business Forum.

Membership of the Small Business Forum is on a yearly basis (but flexible), which allows for sufficient time to discuss and implement plans, while providing opportunities for other representatives to participate. The ABA has recently advertised¹ for some new members.

The Forum has been consulting with the ABA and its member banks since June 2004. It was convened so that the industry could engage in two-way communication with small business owners, and then in turn, the ABA could inform its members and provide effective and timely input into the industry’s small business agenda.

Potential new Forum members must own and/or manage a successful small business, have an ability to represent a market segment, possess a detailed knowledge of their market segment, particularly in relation to banking needs; and, take an active interest in their market and the small business community.

David Bell, Chief Executive of the ABA, said: “The ABA would like to thank all Forum members who have provide excellent feedback and contribute to the industry dialogue on small business banking issues”.

“We look forward to meeting some new participants who will no doubt bring fresh perspectives to the table in this ongoing consultation.”

The Small Business Forum has been focussing on four main areas, and discussion continues with member banks across a range of topics:

• Relationships between small businesses and their banks - feedback on current issues and analysing the attributes of relationship management;
• Information provision by banks to small businesses - consulting with the ABA and member banks in the design of online information services;
• Service - feedback on enhancements to Internet banking, payment and other online services for small business;
• Access to credit – providing assistance to the ABA in the development of a new publication to assist small business in preparing for an application for finance.

Notes for editors:

Current members of the Australian Bankers’ Association’s Small Business Forum
Trevor Beckingham	Queensland Small Business Advisory Council
Richard Brooks	Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia (COSBOA)
Tony Burke	Australian Bankers’ Association
Rebecca Cherry	Cherry Enterprises
Neil Colquhoun	Colquhouns
Judy Hartcher	CPA Australia
Jeff Herrick	Shirlaws Business Coaching
Terry McGovern	SRS Australia
Susan Molony	Manuco Electronics
Blake Roet	Grimwade Capital
Douglas Wright	Wrights
Representative/s nominated from the following offices to attend meetings*	-   Office of Small Business, Department of Industry Tourism and Resources -   Office of Small Business, Victorian Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development -   NSW Department of State and Regional Development -   WA Small Business Development Corporation

*Please note: ABA has asked for a representative to attend from the State or Federal organisation. The organisation is represented, but the representative chosen may change from meeting to meeting.

For further information:

Heather Wellard
Director, Public Relations
Phone: 02 8298 0411
Mobile: 0409 830 439

ENDS