Online shopping is slowing down this year, with online sales slightly decreasing month-on-month.^[1] The CEO of a leading courier service says there is a need to streamline customer returns. The process is key for online retailers to boost sales and acquire and retain customers this year and well into 2023. In fact, research shows that 92 per cent of consumers are incentivised to purchase items from a retailer that offers an easy returns process.^[2] 

Richard Thame, CEO at leading parcel delivery service CouriersPlease says returns is one of the most challenging processes for retailers to master, however, when done well, it can be vastly beneficial to their bottom line. He says: “Returns should be a key area for retailers to bolster and to ensure it fulfils the new consumer need for convenience and ease when shopping online. Providing a returns process or platform that allows consumers to arrange returns in a simple, user-friendly way can save time and resources in the long-term. It can also help ease pressure on customer service staff by reducing returns-related enquiries.

“Consumers will ultimately be more inclined to make a purchase or multiple purchases when they know they can access a solution that offers flexibility, control and visibility over their returns. While the process itself should be simple and easy to access and use, retailers must also ensure their returns policy complies with Australian consumer law. Consumers are legally entitled to a refund, repair or replacement during instances where a product is deemed faulty, unsafe or other factors. ^[3] Although there is no legal obligation to allow ‘change of mind’ returns, I recommend retailers consider such a policy to encourage sales and increase consumer trust.”

Four ways to streamline customer returns to improve customer acquisition and loyalty.

1. Send orders in reusable packaging. Richard says retailers can’t underestimate the hassle customers undergo when repackaging goods they are returning. Satchels that can easily be opened and re-sealed in a way that maintains their integrity enables the parcels to be re-used and helps customers return items faster and in better condition. Currently, most parcel satchels need to be cut open, often being ruined in the process – which forces the customer to reseal the satchel clumsily or buy a new satchel at their own cost. Reusable packaging is also a more sustainable approach to returns, helping retailers attract the emerging segment of environmentally conscious shoppers. Richard suggests retailers also consider sustainable packaging, such as compostable or recyclable satchels.
2. Make return pages more visible and easily accessible. Customers expect the convenience of online shopping to be consistent across all aspects of the shopping journey. On many sites, however, the returns page is hidden in the fine print alongside terms and conditions and privacy policies. Then the returns process itself can be convoluted, with shoppers at some sites having to request a return authority to enable the goods to be returned. A convoluted returns process is a reason why some consumers avoid online shopping altogether, therefore, making improvements here will help direct more shoppers to online sites. Visually complex webpages can also significantly influence customers’ trust in the retailer and likely reduce repeat-purchase rates. ^[4] Richard advises that considering visual elements, such as pictographs, can be beneficial in aiding customers through the return process, while enhancing their perceptions of the retailer’s credibility and improving customer loyalty.
3. Partner with a carrier that offers at-home returns collection. More Australians are continuing to work remotely, at least on a part-time basis, enabling them to receive online orders easily at home, including during work hours. At-home returns collection services are a slowly emerging trend that retailers can take advantage of. CouriersPlease offers such a service through a dedicated self-service portal, accessible through their participating retailers’ websites, which allows shoppers to arrange for items to be collected directly from their doorstep in three simple steps. CouriersPlease’s own research has found that 88 per cent of consumers would be more likely to purchase from retailers that offer at-home returns collection, and 64 per cent would pay for the service.
4. Partner with a carrier that offers convenient drop-off options, including after-hours locations. For shoppers who have returned to the workplace, part of the hassle of returning items is finding the time to drop off items at the post office during business hours. Some couriers, including CouriersPlease, offer a collection point network, whereby customers can take their returns to a retailer who is part of the network – such as a petrol station, convenience stores or pharmacy – many of which are open after hours. Retailers could consider partnering with a courier that offers such options, to increase the convenience and ease of arranging a return.

With under a month to go until the 31 October due date for 2021-22 tax returns, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is reminding taxpayers to get on top of their sole trader tax return by lodging or engaging with a registered tax agent.

ATO figures show that as at the end of September, over 8.3 million taxpayers have lodged their 2022 tax returns. Last year, over 9.6 million had lodged their 2021 tax return by 31 October.

Assistant Commissioner Tim Loh says there are several lodgment options available.

“People with simple tax affairs can lodge through our free myTax service in under 30 minutes. Most of the information you need will already be there; just check it’s correct, add any additional income, and claim deductions you’re eligible for.”

“Our website has a range of helpful calculators and tools to help you get it right. These are designed to guide you on a range of topics, from whether you need to lodge a tax return to working out which deductions and expenses specific occupations and industries can claim.”

“If you need more time to prepare your sole trader tax return, you can lodge with a registered tax agent. If you’re using a registered tax agent for the first time or using a different registered tax agent to last year, you need to engage with the registered tax agent by 31 October,” Mr Loh said.

There are also free programs to support those who need help with their tax affairs:

• The ATO’s Tax Help program is run by trained volunteers and is available to taxpayers earning $60,000 or less per year who have simple affairs.
• The National Tax Clinic program is a government-funded initiative to help individuals, small businesses, not-for-profit organisations and charities who may not be able to afford professional advice and representation with their tax affairs. It’s run by Australian universities and supported by the ATO.

This tax time as with every tax time, the ATO reminds taxpayers to be mindful of keeping their personal information protected, including never sharing their myGov login or myGovID details with anyone. Further information is available on our website – How to protect yourself

More information

For more information about how to lodge a tax return and the support options available, visit ato.gov.au/taxessentials

To use our calculators and tools, visit ato.gov.au/calculators

The Tax Practitioners Board publishes a list of registered tax agents on their website.

Australian SMEs are being warned they’ve been left exposed after Optus hackers accessed the personal information of up to 10 million Australians.

“This is very serious and has the potential to create a business email compromise storm,” says Phil Parisis, General Manager of Products at My Business, Australia’s largest small business organisation.

“Business email compromise (BEC) is when hackers gain unauthorised access to or impersonate an email account to intercept private communications. Criminals are then able to intercept financial transactions such as invoices or scam other organisations out of money and goods,” says Mr Parisis.

“I would estimate more than 60% of small business owners are using the same email/password for their Optus account as they do for other critical business systems,” he says.

“Not to mention employees using the same password that’s been breached or suppliers and clients.”

According to the Australian Cyber Security Commission business email compromise cost $81.45mill during 2020-2021.

The latest data from the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman shows more than 60% of Australian SMEs don’t survive a cyber-attack.

“We often hear from small businesses that ‘I’m just a retailer, a designer; why would anybody target me?’

“The reality is that cyber criminals don’t necessarily target you. Mostly, you become an accidental victim of a large, broad scale attack such as what’s happened to Optus.

“It’s also a good reminder for SMEs to look at their own cybersecurity because if it can happen to a huge company like Optus imagine how easily it can happen to them,” he says.  

6 tips for small businesses who believe their data has been compromised:

• Create a human firewall: Building a human firewall or educating yourself and employees is the most effective way of preventing a cyber-attack.

• Password protection: It’s important that passwords are not easy to guess. All businesses should consider a password manager or multi-factor authentication, with passwords regularly updated.

• Limit exposures: Logging on to public Wi-fi is one of the easiest ways to get hacked, hot spotting to a secure account is a safer option. Likewise be careful with cheap imitation cables and upgrade your systems regularly. 

• Be prepared: Have a back-up account ready and know how to access it. Know what will be required to get your account back – have that information ready before the attack happens.

• Pay for an expert: The government is now offering cyber protection insurance to small businesses. This significantly reduces the financial impact of a cyber-attack and can help a business recover faster. 

• Update business policies and procedures: Ensure your business processes are up to date to protect, prevent and recover from any suspicious behaviour. 

“Small business is big business for cyber criminals,” says Mr Parisis.

“Cybercriminals are savvy, they know that by taking on larger organisations they can then branch out and hit smaller businesses too who knowingly have less resources, time and budget to protect themselves.”

“But this should act as a warning to Australian SMEs – if it can happen to a huge organisation like Optus with all the firewalls at their disposal – imagine how easily it can happen to smaller companies.”

Small business owners impacted by challenging market conditions need to optimise working capital to alleviate business pressure and to improve their personal wellbeing

American Express’ Working Capital Research¹ explores the impact cash flow uncertainty has on the personal wellbeing and wellbeing of Australian small business owners² (SBOs). 

The report found that 49% of SBOs say managing cash flow is the most stressful part of running their business, with 31% losing sleep over the issue. 21% claim their physical wellbeing has been affected by cash flow tension and 22% report it has put a strain on or broke down personal relationships. What’s more, 17% of owners have considered ceasing operations due to cash flow challenges impacting their wellbeing. 

The research examined the factors Australian SBOs say are contributing most significantly towards their stress levels. Alongside customers not paying on time, inflation and the rising costs of living, a lack of knowledge about how to best optimise their working capital strategy were amongst the reported stressors. This is despite 79% of owners stating that managing their businesses’ working capital cycle is an important part of running their business. 

Additional findings include: 

• 54% of small business owners say the stress caused by managing their business cash flow has increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic 

• 53% say that they rely on their customers to pay on time, otherwise they struggle to pay their own bills or suppliers 

• 28% say their business is still being affected by an emergency they experienced in the last 12 months  

• 49% use personal funds to pay for outgoing expenses  

• 35% agree that they don’t know where to start when it comes to managing their working capital cycle 

• 51% say having access to capital without interest for a longer period would help them pay off suppliers in time and give them more opportunity to invest in their business 

• 76% would use a business credit or charge card to help manage their small business cash flow 

With Australian SBOs naming repayment cycles and cash flow as one of the biggest barriers to sustaining their business and maintaining personal wellbeing, American Express has today announced enhancements to the American Express Business Card. The Card is designed to support small business owners and extend their working capital cycles with a market-leading³ extended cashflow benefit of up to 110 days to pay for purchases⁴ and no pre-set spending limit.  

Personal wellbeing

Emily Roberts, Vice President and General Manager of Commercial Sales and Account Development at American Express says: “Running a small business can be incredibly rewarding, but the day-to-day stress of paying suppliers and staff, and finding new opportunities to grow, can take a huge toll on mental health, especially when the unexpected happens. There are things however that owners can do to help alleviate the stress of running a business. Getting cash flow in check is one of these. Optimising cash flow puts business owners in a better position to navigate unforeseen circumstances, reinvest in their business, their people, and just as importantly, themselves. Tools such as business charge cards help to increase funds that are available for day-to-day operations and provide extra breathing space to repay.” 

Another tool American Express offers to help businesses with their funding needs, is American Express Business Loans, which offer unsecured working capital of up to $300,000 and repayment terms that range from 6 to 36 months.   

To manage the impact of inflation, SBOs are seeking savvier ways to ensure their money goes further. The research reveals 33% of small business owners agree that due to inflation and the fluctuating Australian dollar, locking in exchange rates for overseas transactions would help them minimise spend uncertainties and help protect their profit margins.  

American Express is assisting through its Foreign Exchange Services, where SBOs can make international payments even if they aren’t a Card Member. American Express AccessLine also enables enrolled Card Members to pay virtually any supplier anywhere in the world, even if they don’t accept American Express card payments plus American Express Membership Rewards points can be earned in the process.  
 

Jennifer Mekhaeil, Accountant and Founder of skincare company Go Bare, said “I’m an accountant by trade and still my working cash flow for Go Bare is a constant source of worry. Being in the midst of an international expansion, the stress has definitely flowed into my everyday life, prompting me to lose sleep and negatively impact my mental health. For me, negotiating different payment cycles with my various suppliers and necessary business services has been instrumental in maintaining my available working capital. Having the right partner in American Express has also been critical. Simple yet meaningful services across foreign exchange and AccessLine have helped to keep Go Bare running as we navigate this exciting new phase of growth.” 

With SBOs admitting they don’t have the knowledge they need to best optimise their working capital strategy, many are looking to the government and financial service providers for more support. Alexi Boyd, CEO of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) said: “Small business owners are some of the most resilient people in Australia, but economic headwinds have created an environment where they are exhausted, mentally and financially. One of the most underutilised and least understood aspects of running a resilient business is managing working capital. This latest research makes one thing clear: small business owners are acutely aware of the challenges they face and are calling out for support to take back control of their business today and into the future. There is such an important role for the wider business community and government to play in providing small businesses with the tools they need to excel.”  

Despite the significant mental health toll that working capital – or a lack thereof – is having on Australian SBOs, 72% remain optimistic about their business’s future. In fact, 23% agree that if they had access to more working capital, they would invest in themselves and their family. 

Sarah Davidson Holloway, start-up entrepreneur and media personality said: “The topic of money for any business owner can often be a stressful one, but there are ways that owners can set themselves up for success and ease some of the burden they carry home with them. For example:  

1. Seek financial advice from an expert who can share savvy ways to make money go further 
2. Take breaks away from the business to reset and gain a fresh perspective  
3. Invest in the right cash flow tools that exist to help small businesses succeed.” 

Leanne Faulkner, Founder of Fortitude at Work and small business mental health advocate said, “It’s important to understand the nuances of small business and the way this affects our personal wellbeing at work. We live and breathe our businesses and don’t shut off from everything. We know lots about creating a healthy workplace in large organisations, but it’s a mistake to think small business is simply a smaller version of a big company.  

How SBOs work, how we make decisions and how we thrive is different. Through these findings, SBOs say we do not work in a bubble, we rely on others in our business ecosystem to help support our ability to work well every day. Any support from big businesses to help empower our daily operations and potentially relieve some working capital stress is welcome, so we can be at our best and focus on growth.  

There is now more community support available for the small business sector and I’d encourage all SBOs to reach out and talk to someone if they’re feeling overwhelmed, regardless of the situation. There are many who want to help us.” 

For access to mental health support and resources for SBOs in particular, head to: 

• Beyond Blue New Access For Small Business Owners: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/newaccess/newaccess-for-small-business-owners 
• Small Business Debt Helpline: https://sbdh.org.au/ 
• Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/ 
• Ahead For Business: https://aheadforbusiness.org.au/ 

Talent shortage and hiring pressures are leading many companies to over-promote or over-compensate new hires, according to a survey released by RMIT Online today.   

The report, The Salary Trap, identifies almost half of Australian managers (46%) believe their companies had to overpay for new hires in the past year due to market competition and high expectations from candidates. A similar number (40%) also say those hired don’t have the skills or experience necessary for the new roles. 

The data also shows 35% of managers and a quarter of non-managers say the new hires have the highest salaries for their positions, which can cause internal friction.

“A tight job market means many companies are more open to fast-tracking careers or hiring professionals with fewer years of experience,” says Claire Hopkins, RMIT Online Interim CEO. 

“This is not necessarily a problem and can positively contribute to finding and promoting great talent. However, businesses must complement this with support and training to ensure new employees have what is needed to succeed.”

The CEO adds leaders have to understand the issue better not only to support new hires but also to avoid creating attrition within the current employees. 

“The talent shortage means retaining team members is critical. Companies must ensure they are actively putting strategies together to prioritise their employer value proposition – whether this be through remuneration, or providing on-the-job or formal training opportunities to help staff realise their potential.” 

The survey also identifies a third of managers (34%) who moved to a new company in the past year are concerned they don’t have the right skills. They are so worried that 37% are actively looking for another position just months into the new job.  

There are several reasons managers and employees are moving to new roles, even when feeling unprepared. 

The data indicates most unsatisfied workers (57%) don’t feel valued by their employers, and half of those (51%) believe they aren’t receiving adequate compensation for their current role or level of responsibility.  

Rising inflation is also contributing to increasing career moves. Over 85% of those surveyed say a  higher cost of living makes financial compensation more critical now than a year ago, increasing the likelihood of moving for a better paycheck. 

The research reveals over a third of workers changed jobs in the past year for better pay. Of those, 61% did so for less than $10,000 a year, and 28% for less than $5,000.  

The RMIT Online survey shows employees recognise they need training in areas such as data analytics, digital literacy and leadership.

To learn more, visit: online.rmit.edu.au/insights/2022-oct .

More Australians are now taking on a second job or side hustle to relieve cost of living pressures. But is the extra money worth the amount of time (and tax) it takes up? UNSW Business School experts explain. 

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) recently revealed that the number of Australians with multiple jobs has risen 8 per cent, to make extra money. This made up 6 per cent of all employed people – a massive 900,000 individuals across all industries in Australia. 

Dr Evgenia Dechter, a Senior Lecturer at the School of Economics, UNSW Business School is an expert in labour economics. She says this rise in people taking on second jobs is not surprising, with the pandemic opening several new opportunities for a lot of people who were looking to supplement or replace their job.

‘While we saw job transitions and business creations slowdown in 2020, it’s clearly been followed up by larger than average movements in 2022,” she explains.

Why are we seeing more second jobs in Australia right now?

Dr Dechter points out that people had more spare time to develop and implement their ideas during lockdown, while also experiencing an acceleration in adoption of technology.

“In this way, it is meant an increase not just in the number of secondary jobs but also in small business creation. In addition, household savings increased substantially during lockdowns due to precautionary savings and limited spending opportunities. This, and the very low interest rates on loans, could have provided a start-up capital to those with a good business idea.”

“The willingness to work a few extra hours is also increasing due to higher uncertainty and cost-of-living.”

But while rising cost-of-living and opportunities emerging from the pandemic might have led to the rise of Australians taking up second jobs, Associate Professor Dale Boccabella, an expert in personal taxation at the School of Accounting, Auditing and Taxation, UNSW Business School points out that working a second job is nothing new.

“But there may be more opportunities these days to do this, as well as more convenience on choice of times to work the second job,” he adds.

So, is a side hustle simply a no-brainer way to see money hitting your bank account and making your financial goals? Or is it more of a drain than a good way to combat the rising cost of living? Dr Dechter and Assoc. Prof. Boccabella explain what you need to consider as well as the tax and economic implications. 

Is having a side hustle a good idea?   

Improving your personal finance situation through a side hustle can be rewarding step to take, says Dr Dechter: “At different career stages, some people may find themselves not fully satisfied with their job or occupation and want to try something different,” she says.  

“Slow entry into another occupation, or becoming self-employed, while keeping the current job allows people to learn about new opportunities and new skill sets while minimising risk of income loss.”  

But before you rush out to start a part-time job, it is important to recognise that making your side hustle ideas a reality comes with challenges, as well as the extra income. 

“There is more risk associated with business, as well as start-up costs,” warns Dr Dechter. “But there are also higher potential profits in the future.” 

Assoc. Prof. Boccabella also advises that before taking on commitments beyond your primary full-time job, it’s also wise to think over if taking on the extra work will suit your lifestyle and existing commitments. 

“Consider the amount of money received from the second job, as well as the costs associated with doing it, which should include input of time,” he says. 

“You should also think about the value of the time you spend away from family and friends, and the effect of doing the second job on your primary job.” 

I want to be a side hustler. Does it mean I’ll pay more tax? 

While claims that a good side hustle isn’t worth it because of over-taxation are often made, Assoc. Prof. Boccabella says it’s one without much merit in Australia. 

“At the end of the year, all your assessable incomes are added together, and all your deductions are added together. This adds up to your taxable income,” he explains.  

“If you’re employed, your employer must withhold some part of the wages payable and send it to the Australian Tax Office (ATO) as a tax contribution, in anticipation of the worker having a tax liability for the year.” 

It’s a process that applies to your first, second or even third job – meaning that if the payments to the tax office (also known as Pay-As-You-Go Withholding, or PAYGW) add up to more than the tax liability (AKA what you’re supposed to pay to the ATO), the taxpayer gets the excess back as a refund.  

“You can even apply to have the PAYGWs lowered from your second job during the year, if you think that the amounts withheld are going to lead to an excess above your tax liability,” Assoc. Prof. Boccabella adds.  

“This means you don’t have to wait for the tax return to be lodged to get back the ‘excess tax’ contributed on money made from your side hustle income or second job.” 

The gig economy: what has its impact been on the rise of side hustle? 

Gig economy businesses that use the ‘independent contractor’ model, such as food delivery services Uber, Doordash and Lyft, or freelance platforms like Upwork or Airtasker, have given individuals a seemingly easy pathway to have a side job. 

“Gig economy gives examples of new business models and teaches consumers how to use and enjoy such services,” says Dr Dechter. “It opens the door to new businesses which can build on this knowledge.” 

But as pointed out by Assoc. Prof. Boccabella, the relationship between the worker and party wanting work done has been fractious in recent times, with heated legal debate on workers’ rights and employer obligations. 

“Quite different pay rates can arise depending on whether the relationship between the worker and the party they are doing work for is an employment relationship or an independent contractor relationship,” he explains. 

“For example, the payer may be under an obligation to make superannuation contributions for the worker.” 

A gig economy side hustle can hit some legal roadblocks 

Assoc. Prof. Boccabella adds that the Fair Work Commission, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and the Courts are currently filled with cases dealing with the classification of the relationship between a worker and the party they are working for. 

“There have been a number of high-profile cases concerning the delivery rider situation,” he says. “A significant number of entitlements and payments obligations depend on the proper classification.” 

“When the relationship breaks down (for example, the party does not want the worker’s services anymore), the worker often seeks legal advice, and the advice often is that the worker may in fact have been an employee or a deemed employee under particular legislation (such as the superannuation contributions regime).” 

“It’s an area of the law that is very complex and at times it is very hard to predict how a tribunal or court will decide the case.” 

Does more Australians having a second job mean we’re becoming more similar to the US? 

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of August 2022, 7,485,000 Americans have a second job. Commentators there have pointed to cost of living, inflation and a strong jobs market as some of the root causes.

When it comes to Australia, Dr Dechter points out that small low risk business or a second pay stream can deliver much needed extra income to a household. But she also adds that holding a second job might not be a good sign for the overall Australian economy. 

“In Australia, marginal tax rates increase more progressively than in the US, which implies that holding a second job is less profitable in Australia compared to there,” she explains. 

“This means that if we do observe more Australians taking more than one job and work more hours, it could suggest that the cost of living and economic insecurity have increased too much.” 

“But with Australia’s tax rate scale to become quite flatter for a large number of taxpayers in 2024 (due to a legislated 30% tax rate all the way from $45,000 to $200,000), the argument about lower profitability of a second job will weaken.”

Read the whole story at the UNSW Newsroom.

The country’s brightest and most ambitious Asian-Australians are being recognised in the 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australian Awards next week, while experts call out the negative impact of the ‘bamboo ceiling’ in Australia.

The Australian National University Centre for Asian-Australian Leadership founding director, Jieh-Yung Lo, says these awards have shined a light on the incredible leadership talent and potential of Asian-Australians – but there is still a long way to go.

“There is a lack of recognition of and focus on leveraging Asian-Australian talent. We need to call out and address the negative impacts created by the bamboo ceiling,” says Mr Lo.

“Nearly one in five people in Australia has an Asian cultural heritage, yet only about 3% of senior management positions are held by Asian-Australians.”

“The key barriers preventing Asian-Australian talent from reaching leadership roles within Australian organisations are cultural bias and stereotyping; westernised leadership models; lack of relationship capital such as access to mentors, sponsors and high-powered and influential networks, and the case for cultural diversity not understood within organisations and workplaces.”  

“A recurring concern expressed by many Asian-Australians is that they feel under constant pressure – more so than other non-Anglo or European Australians – to change their behaviour for the purpose of ‘fitting in’.”

“Asian-Australians have indicated from their personal and professional experiences significant levels of bias, discrimination and racism still existing against them in both work and non-work situations.”  

Research undertaken by Australian National University found 82% of surveyed Asian-Australians report they have experienced discrimination in Australia, which was the highest amongst all the self-identified ethnic groups in the study. 

Some 65% of the Asian-Australians reported being discriminated against in the workplace, while the most common setting for discrimination was at a shop or restaurant (71%). The survey showed that the most commonly barriers to Asian-Australians obtaining leadership positions in business, professional and other organisational roles cited by Asian-Australians themselves were ‘stereotypes associated with the group’ (42%) and discrimination (44%).  

40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australian Awards applicants are judged across the fields of arts and culture, community and advocacy, corporate, education, entrepreneurship, legal and professions, media, public sector, science and medicine, and sport. This year’s winners include:

• Overall winner: Western Sydney Vietnamese-Australian lawyer Tu Le, last year went for ALP preselection in the safe seat of Fowler, a largely Vietnamese and culturally diverse electorate, against Kristina Keneally. Tu’s parents were separated for almost a decade after her father spent years in Australia learning and educating himself, before sponsoring his family and bringing them here. She has also facilitated a program for men from minority communities and advocated against the exploitation of temporary visa and migrant workers.

•  Science and medicine winner: Associate Professor Rona Chandrawati moved to Australia after completing high school in Indonesia. She faced the hardship of transitioning into a new culture and learning a new language, but has gone on to become Australia’s leading researcher in colorimetric food sensory technology, with her patented colour sensors attached to food packaging to help prevent spoilage. This is critical considering 7.6 million tonnes of food is lost or wasted every year in Australia alone, even worse with 70% of this food being perfectly edible and one in six Australian adults not having enough to eat in the last year, according to the not for profit organisation, Foodbank.

• Entrepreneurship winner: Leading property and construction professional, and the granddaughter of Hong Kong social housing residents, Belinda Bentley is co-founder and director of independent property investment and advisory group 9Springs. She is also the Australian representative to the ULI Asia Pacific Housing Council; a best practice think tank focused on alternative housing methods and housing affordability. Her contribution to the community has seen her play a key role at a mental health organisation, become a guest lecturer and tutor to students at the University of Technology and mentor others to help grow their businesses.

• Arts and culture winner: The youngest daughter of immigrant parents from Hong Kong and Malaysia, Michelle Law’s latest play, ‘Top Coast’, was commissioned by the Sydney Theatre Company and premiered in July-August. Her latest comedy explores race, representation, privilege and taking woke culture to task. She is also the playwright and creator of Belvoir’s ‘Single Asian Female’ and SBS’s ‘Homecoming Queens’. 

• Under 25 rising star: Angelina Inthavong who has a Cambodian, Lao, Vietnamese and Chinese background and comes from a single income house already has a formidable career in youth politics championing ‘period poverty’ and mental health issues. As a member of the Queensland Youth Parliament, she championed a bill which was passed in May, that all state schools in QLD would provide menstrual products.

Of the awards, Asialink CEO Martine Letts says: “An Asia-capable and connected Australia is fundamental to Australia’s future. The 40 under 40 Awards are unique as they highlight for the first time the key contribution talented Asian-Australians make in all productive sectors of our community – in the arts, research and education, media, sport, business and public life.”

Philanthropic patron and Executive Wealth Circle chair Susan Gin, adds: “I am delighted to be supporting this unique initiative which recognises the extraordinary contributions talented Asian-Australian leaders are making to the Australian community.”

The 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australian Awards, now in its fourth year, is an initiative of the Australian National University Centre for Asian-Australian Leadership, Asialink at the University of Melbourne and Johnson Partners.  

The full list of the 40 awardees will be announced at a gala dinner in Sydney on October 4.