The Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) has announced it is to offer fast access assistance to small businesses to help resolve disputes that could arise during the COVID- 19 crisis period.
VSB Commissioner Judy O’Connell (pictured) said there had been an increase in commercial tenants and landlords contacting the VSBC over situations where the tenant was having difficulty paying rent.
“We encourage tenants to first read their lease closely to make sure they understand their rights and obligations and if anything isn’t clear, they should seek legal advice or contact us for help,” Commissioner O’Connell said.
“Under Victoria’s commercial tenancy relief scheme … the VSBC is providing advice and help to resolve retail leasing disputes through its mediation service,” she said.
‘It’s vital that tenants and landlords communicate as early as possible to try to reach an agreement, and if this fails, they can come to us.”
Commissioner O’Connell said small business owners could also go to the VSBC for help with disputes over goods and services, unpaid invoices and disputes with financial providers and insurers.
“It’s so important that small business owners know they can turn to us for help if they find themselves in a dispute,” she said.
“Small business owners might find that they’re not being paid by big businesses that have extended their supplier payment terms at this time.”
She said that with the Victorian Government paying all outstanding supplier invoices within 10 business days, big businesses should be doing the same.
“We’re calling on big businesses to do what is right and pay small business suppliers as soon as they can, and in instances where this isn’t happening, small business owners can seek our help,” Commissioner O’Connell said.
