Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said the appointment allowed the Small Business Commissioner to continue providing small businesses with ready access to support, information and advice, and reduce the time and costs associated with resolving disputes.
“The Small Business Commissioner and team advocates for small business at all levels of government, provides assistance for small business disputes, offers a low-cost mediation service for retail shop lease disputes under the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994, and resolves franchise disputes,” Ms Farmer said.
“We know that saving time and money is key for small businesses.”
Ms Farmer said establishing the position and office of Small Business Commissioner was one of several actions by the government as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold to assist small business owners, including in relation to issues with their retail leases.
“Commissioner Maree Adshead was temporarily appointed as Commissioner during the COVID-19 pandemic, and she and her team have provided a very valuable service over the past two years,” she said.
“Following the passing of the Small Business Commissioner Act 2022 in March, the position and office of Small Business Commissioner become permanent from today.
“Ms Adshead and her office have been a voice for small businesses across Queensland, helping small business throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as leading engagement with government at all levels to champion Queensland small business needs and issues.
“Since May 2020 the temporary Commissioner’s office has carried out more than 7,000 activities to assist small businesses, commercial tenants, and landlords, received more than 5,000 enquiries, been in receipt of more than 1,000 disputes, performed more than 600 outreach activities, and advocated on behalf of small business in more than 200 matters.
“The Commissioner has demonstrated the need for a dedicated government access point for small business support and the result is a permanent appointment to ensure businesses continue to receive this high-quality support and advice.”
A national recruitment process for a permanent appointment to the position of Small Business Commissioner will commence shortly.
