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FBA History
1991
Ray Michell from Michell Holdings, one of the then largest family-owned businesses in South Australia, attended a 2 ½ day conference in Cleveland, USA. This was a life changing experience for Ray as it opened a new and required source of Family Business knowledge. After returning from the USA, Ray formed a not-for-profit organisation titled ‘Family Business Services SA Inc’.
Bond University Researchers undertook the first major study into Family Owned Business in Australia.
1992 - 1993
Papers based on the research were presented at international conferences including the 6th Family Business Network (FBN) Conference held in Spain where it won the best research paper award.
1994
The Australian Centre for Family Business (ACFB) was launched at Bond University.
1996
Networks were established by the ACFB, in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney/NSW and Hobart, along with a working relationship with the South Australian “Family Business Services SA Inc. ACFB rebranded as the Australian Family Business Network (AFBN).
1998
In the interests of creating a truly national body, it was decided to merge AFBN with a Victoria-based emerging family business organisation – Family Business Council (FBC). This led to the birth of Family Business Australia (FBA) over the period 1998 -1999 as the peak national body for family and private businesses in Australia.
Forum Groups
The first Forum Groups began in 1998 and are the only professionally facilitated, executive discussion group for family business leaders, executives, and CEOs in Australia.
National Conference
The inaugural Family Business National Conference was held in Coolum, Queensland.
1999
Family Business Services SA Inc joined Family Business Australia.
Awards Program
FBA Awards Program launches including The Distinguished Family Business of the Year Award, The FBA Next Generation Achiever Award and The FBANZ Award of Entrepreneurship.
2000
Hall of Fame
Commencing with the SA Chapter, FBA has celebrated and recognised the achievements of family-owned Australian businesses and the special achievers who contribute positively to our community, economy, and culture through the Hall of Fame.
2005
Philippa Taylor became FBA CEO in 2005 through to 2014 and is the longest standing CEO to-date.
2008
FBA launched its Advisor Accreditation Program which is dedicated to supporting family business advisors in their commitment to creating a dynamic and sustainable family business community.
2009
Sue Boyce’s speech in the Senate highlights the beginning of an advocacy campaign which led to the 2013 Joint Parliamentary Committee.
2010
FBA launched an extensive range of unique courses designed and developed by researchers at the Australian Centre for Family Business (Bond University) specifically for families in business. FBANZ courses are the only in Australia that specifically address the challenges faced by family business.
2012
National Family Business Day is launched. On 19 September, Australia celebrates National Family Business Day – a day designed to recognise the invaluable contribution family businesses make to the Australian economy, community, and culture.
Australian Owned Family Business Emblem
The ‘A family-owned Australian business’ emblem is launched for members to use and signifies to government, community, employees, and customers, that family business is a major contributor to Australians’ everyday life and their future.
2013
Federal Parliamentary Enquiry - The report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services, Family Businesses in Australia was tabled in Parliament. The report made 21 recommendations on a wide variety of matters relating to Australia’s family businesses. The report has made an important contribution to building a greater understanding of the value of family businesses and the challenges they face.
2017
Partnership with the University of Adelaide for FBA Advisor Accreditation Program.
2019
Family Business New Zealand is launched. This is to support the growing family business sector in the country and forge connections between Australia and New Zealand.
The Family Business Conference is launched in the Asia-Pacific region. Delegates from New Zealand and Singapore attend the event.
Today
The organisation now has a total membership of over 3,000 including family business owners, advisors, and scholars. Family Business Australia is rebranded as Family Business Association in recognition of the major role it’s taken in the development of significant family business movements in both countries.
Beyond this, Family Business Association maintains strong international links with Family Business Network (FBN) and the Family Firm Institute (FFI), European and USA-based organisations respectively.
In a relatively short period of time, family business in Australia has not only become recognised as a sector but now boasts a vibrant national peak body organisation. We have developed strong affiliations with the academic community to drive its education and awareness agendas. This supports our strategies to serve and represent family businesses.