The appointment of a Queensland Small Business Commissioner will give small businesses a single point of contact for leasing disputes during recovery from the impact of COVID-19.
Minister for Employment and Small Business, Shannon Fentiman said the Commissioner would be appointed until the end of the year to provide much-needed dispute-resolution support.
“Our thousands of small businesses are struggling due to the COVID-19 crisis, and now more than ever they need assistance,” Ms Fentiman said.
“We know that dispute resolution can come at a significant cost for small business owners in terms of legal services, time away from their business, lost productivity and income, as well as additional expenses and stress.”
She said the Commissioner’s role would bring Queensland into line with every other State in assisting in the implementation of the National Cabinet Mandatory Code of Conduct – SME Leasing Principles during COVID-19.
The Minister said the current part-time Small Business Champion, Maree Adshead had done a wonderful job since 2017, promoting and protecting the sector which represented around 97 per cent of all Queensland businesses and employed more than 970,000 people.
“The appointment of the new Commissioner will be made as soon as possible and Ms Adshead will continue in the role in the interim,” Ms Fentiman said.
“During this time of crisis, the recovery of the vital small business sector needs a full-time role with increased powers.”
