When I read Mark’s typically thoughtful farewell article for ACAPMAg last week, I thought to myself: “The page turns, and another chapter begins.”
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Mark over the past seven years, as an ACAPMA Member, in my capacity as both Government Affairs and industry association relationship manager, for 7-Eleven.
Key to that role keeping a close watch on regulatory and legislative changes that could impact both our business and the broader industry. It was always reassuring to know that very little came as a surprise to Mark. He had his ear to the ground, could anticipate how issues might unfold, and had a clear view of where he wanted ACAPMA to be positioned.
Mark leaves ACAPMA as a highly respected voice and advocate for the downstream petroleum sector. He should be immensely proud of what he has achieved over the past ten years.
While I bring a strong understanding of the retail side of the industry, there is still much for me to learn about other components of what is a detailed, complex and dynamic industry. There will be many questions and a steep learning curve ahead and I look forward to exploring this complexity with the ACAPMA Members.
As I grow my experience and comfort with certain elements of our industry I and drawing on over ten years’ experience in policy roles across both government and opposition. Throughout this in depth advocacy focused career I’ve learned the importance of quickly understanding issues, identifying both intended and unintended consequences, and clearly articulating problems and solutions.
I’ve served on the senior policy staff of two Premiers of Victoria, as well as a Minister for Finance, Local Government, and WorkSafe; an Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister; a Leader of the Opposition; and a Shadow Minister for the Environment. These roles involved extensive engagement with both internal and external stakeholders.
In addition, I bring private sector experience in several highly regulated and publicly scrutinised industries, including; mining, alcohol, gaming, lotteries, and telecommunications. In the latter, for those old enough to remember, there was once a widespread belief that mobile phones could cause brain cancer and that electromagnetic radiation from mobile towers made them too dangerous to place near schools and kindergartens.
The telecommunications sector took its social licence to operate seriously and, over many years, quietly and methodically disproved these claims. Today, this is essentially a non-issue.
I’ve seen firsthand the very best—and, frankly, the less effective—efforts of industry associations and businesses when trying to influence, inform and work with governments at all levels.
I’m not suggesting that the fuel industry is directly comparable to the telco sector, but it highlights the importance of earning—and maintaining—the trust and support of the communities in which we operate. Measured, methodical advocacy works in the long term.
You won’t see me banging on politicians’ desks. Instead, I’ll be doing what I know works best: presenting logical, fact-based arguments to achieve positive outcomes for the benefit of the industry.
I’m excited to work with such a diverse group of stakeholders—from the major fuel brands to the hundreds of small and medium-sized businesses that make up our industry. These are the businesses that employ tens of thousands of Australians and simply want the opportunity to thrive without unnecessary interference.
While leadership at ACAPMA has changed, what won’t change is ACAPMA’s continued commitment to advocating on behalf of Members and the broader industry.
I look forward to meeting you at the annual ACAPMA Conference, the APFIF25, in September on the Gold Coast. In the meantime I you can to contact me directly at rowan@acapma.com.au.
Rowan Lee
CEO
ACAPMA
