The Peel Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)’s new boss, Andrew McKerrell, has set his sights on an ambitious agenda for his term of office, which includes building on this year’s successful Future Proof conference and tackling the levels of payroll tax paid by business in the region.
Mr McKerrell, who started his working life in the trades as an automotive painter before moving into government roles, said payroll tax had been an issue for a long time in the region and he would be arguing for its reduction.
“The biggest challenge for business that comes up time and time again is payroll tax,” he said.
“We have to get the new government to address how much payroll tax businesses are paying, because there are some businesses out there who are paying a figure of payroll tax that would equate to a full time skilled role.
“It’s not a new thing, but it’s definitely not going to go away. We’re not going to keep quiet about it.”
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Mr McKerrell said he would be looking at bolstering the chamber’s services, which included building on the recent business conference that brought television star and advertising guru Todd Sampson to Mandurah.
“I want to be actually finding out what services we could offer, because I understand that things may have changed over the years and like with all organisations we have to adapt,” he said.
“If our services haven’t kept up to speed with what business needs then we need to change those.”
In his new role as PCCI manager, Mr McKerrell would also be expanding the business awards which he said had been growing from strength to strength since relaunching in 2013 and consolidating the chamber’s relationships with the Peel Development Commission and local governments in the region.
PCCI president Donna Cocking praised Mr McKerrell’s appointment and noted his work on the recent Alcoa Peel Business Excellence Awards and the inaugural Future Proof Peel Business Conference.
“He is and has always been a consummate professional, a great leader and a loyal, trusted friend to all businesses,” she said.
“Andrew has more than demonstrated the desired leadership skills and sound management practices to both anchor and transport the Peel Chamber well into the future and we all couldn’t be more delighted that he has accepted this new role with the enthusiasm often displayed when he embarks on his next challenge.”
Nathan Hondros
Senior Journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media.
Senior Journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media.
