Q: If you were elected, would you support a series of roundtable discussions with Govt, Council, property owners and small businesses to explore how a partnership city-wide business improvement district could benefit the city business sector? What would your first step be?

A: Yes, 100%. Real progress comes from collaboration, and roundtables are a practical way to bring the right people together. My first step? Make sure we have proper representation - from laneways and hospitality strips to cultural precincts and the less-frequented corners of the city. That includes a mix of business sectors and property owners. We start by listening. What’s working? What’s not? What do we want to achieve? It’s important to get both the excitement and the concerns on the table early. That’s how we build something effective.

Q: What would you propose to harness the collective strength of businesses and property owners in partnership with Council. How would you build support from the retail, hospitality and professional services sectors in unique areas and mainstreets in the city?

A: The businesses on the ground are the experts - they know what works, what doesn’t, and what they need. If we ask for their input, we need to respect it and act on it. No more consultation that goes nowhere. Their time is valuable, and we need to treat it that way.

Start with smaller targeted projects, deliver quick wins, and build momentum. Show that this model works. From there, we scale and demonstrate that Adelaide can lead the way in what genuine, effective collaboration looks like between Council and business.

Q: How do you envision a city-wide business improvement district could complement existing council initiatives in the business/economic development space?

A: A BID doesn’t replace what Council does, it strengthens it. It puts businesses in the driver’s seat and gets results where they’re needed most. I see it staying business-led, representative of everyone within the BID area, and focused on what matters on the ground. It should be effective, responsive, and able to act quickly, giving districts the support they need without the red tape.