- WA Government appoints new Small Business Commissioner
- Saj Abdoolakhan will also act as chief executive officer of the Small Business Development Corporation
- Mr Abdoolakhan brings a wealth of regulatory, leadership and public sector experience to the role
The Western Australian Government has announced the appointment of Saj Abdoolakhan as the new Small Business Commissioner and chief executive officer of the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC).
Mr Abdoolakhan brings extensive 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 integral role in supporting the diversification of WA's economy and creating jobs for the future.
Mr Abdoolakhan replaces inaugural Commissioner David Eaton PSM, who served in the role since its establishment in 2012, and will commence in the role on Monday, 19 May 2025.
As stated by Small Business Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"I am pleased to welcome Saj Abdoolakhan as our State's Small Business Commissioner and leader of the Small Business Development Corporation.
"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.
"WA has the best performing economy in the nation, which means there is no better place to do business.
"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."
