Mr Saj Abdoolakhan has been appointed as the new Small Business Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the SBDC.
Mr Abdoolakhan replaces inaugural Commissioner David Eaton PSM, who served in the role since its establishment in 2012. He brings extensive experience from senior leadership roles within the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS), where he led regulatory functions across the building and energy safety sectors.
Background and experience
Saj Abdoolakhan’s previous roles include Executive Director of Building and Energy and Deputy Director General of DEMIRS’ Industry Regulation and Consumer Protection group, where he led the operations of WA’s regulator for the building, plumbing, electricity and gas industries which included oversight of service delivery.
He also held the statutory roles of Building Commissioner and Director of Energy Safety. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering with Honours from University of Cape Town (South Africa) a Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management from Flinders University and is a Member of Engineers Australia.
Minister and Chair welcome appointment
Hon Jackie Jarvis MLC, Minister for Small Business, said of the appointment.
“With Mr Abdoolakhan’s experience as Western Australia’s Building Commissioner as well as in senior leadership roles at the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, I am confident that the Small Business Development Corporation will continue to provide valuable advice, support and access to justice to the more than 247,000 small businesses that form the backbone of our state’s economy and communities,” said Minister Jarvis.
“I look forward to working with Mr Abdoolakhan as we continue to build a strong, sustainable future for small business across our state.”
Mr Grant Cucel, Chair Small Business Development Corporation, welcomed Mr Abdoolakhan to the role on behalf of the SBDC Board.
“Saj’s previous roles overseeing compliance and safety in the building and energy sectors have equipped him with a strong understanding of how regulatory environments impact businesses, particularly smaller operators,” said Mr Cucel.
“His wealth of regulatory, leadership and public sector experience makes him well-placed to build on the SBDC’s important work in delivering and facilitating relevant, practical support to small businesses and advocating on their behalf.”
Mr Cucel also acknowledged the outstanding legacy of inaugural Commissioner, David Eaton, who he said set the standard for small business advocacy in Western Australia over 13 years of service.
Saj Abdoolakhan will commence as Western Australia’s Small Business Commissioner and CEO of the SBDC on Monday 19 May 2025.
