The new South Australian deputy small business commissioner has defended himself against attacks from the franchising community, saying he is more than capable of performing his duties and that living outside of the state won’t be a problem.
The attacks began against University of New South Wales professor Frank Zumbo soon after he was named as the deputy commissioner. The franchising industry claims he is too close to the entire system, having drafted the legislation creating his appointment.
But Zumbo says he is more than able to fulfil his duties.
“I’d love to sit down with them. I’m going to be in Adelaide regularly as part of my role, so I’m keen to hear from everyone who has concerns,” he told SmartCompany this morning.
“I’d like to work with the industry. I believe the reforms we have are better for franchising, and I want to deal with problems when they arise. So I want to sit down and figure out various issues within the industry when we need to come to a solution.”
Zumbo’s comments are, in part, a response to a threat made by GameTraders’ chief executive Mark Langford that he would not open any more stores within South Australia. He intends to protest the legislation by focusing on other states, and also told SmartCompany he knows of other franchises that are scared to do business there.
But Zumbo says franchises shouldn’t be too hasty.
“I wouldn’t encourage anyone to speculate about what will, or will not happen regarding the legislation,” he said.
However, questions remain over whether Zumbo was the most appropriate appointment. Having drafted the legislation, protestors believe he is too close to the entire process, also criticising the fact he will continue to live in Sydney.
Zumbo deflects both arguments, saying he was simply one of many people who gave advice to the Government on this issue.
“I want to be clear. I provided advice to the South Australian Government. There were a number of people who gave advice. There was an extensive consultation period.”
“Having been a part of that whole process, I understand the policy intention behind the legislation. I see that as an advantage, as I know exactly what it is the legislation is attempting to do. I have no conflict of interest here.”
Zumbo also believes he will be able to move freely between Sydney and Adelaide as required.
“I remain accessible. It’s not unusual to commute, and I can do a lot of things based in Sydney online. We live in a virtual world, and when I need to be there urgently I’m only one hour and 40 minutes away by plane.”
“Let’s also remember that I am the deputy commissioner,” he said. “My role is part-time, and there will be an appointed commissioner whose role is to deal with these issues on a full-time basis.”
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
