About us
The Queensland Small Business Commissioner (QSBC), including the Small Business Commissioner and supporting office, is a passionate supporter of Queensland small and family businesses. A small and family business is a business employing less than 20 full-time employees (or equivalent) regardless of structure or turnover.
The QSBC provides a range of services for small and family businesses under the Small Business Commissioner Act 2022 focussed on enhancing the operating environment for small and family businesses in Queensland and reducing the time and costs associated with resolving disputes involving small businesses.
Our vision
An operating environment that helps Queensland small businesses thrive.
Our promise
We will deliver our services for the betterment of all Queensland small and family businesses. We believe everyone deserves to feel heard, valued, and important. We believe that empathy is fundamentally important to everyone’s health and happiness as well as to the success and sustainability of our services. Our services will reflect that through all our interactions with each other, small and family businesses, stakeholders, and the community.
Our goals
We appreciate the unique nature of Queensland small and family businesses and recognise that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. To ensure we do our best to help small and family businesses thrive, we will:
Be dedicated to our vision
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Support self-agency and provide options as quickly as possible
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Provide factual insights and act reasonably within our functions
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Operate transparently and communicate simply and clearly.
Deliver empathetic services
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Provide empathetic services and support all people
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Consider individual needs, discuss timeframes, and deliver on time
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Keep people informed and honour our promises.
Provide practical solutions
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Design simple, integrated, and practical solutions
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Change the way we work as technology evolves
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Actively listen so we can continuously improve our services.
Meet the Small Business Commissioner
Dominique Lamb
assumed the role of Small Business Commissioner in December 2022.
With a robust background in industrial relations and employment law, she brings a unique blend of legal expertise and advocacy skills to her position.
Dominique’s primary objective is to enhance the operating environment for small businesses in Queensland and to reduce the time and costs associated with resolving disputes involving small business. In her capacity as Commissioner, Dominique has embarked on a proactive engagement strategy, collaborating closely with governmental bodies, industry organisations, and regional stakeholders. One of Dominique’s notable achievements has been the significant expansion of the Small Business Friendly (SBF) Program, which now boasts participation from 51 Councils. Additionally, she has taken proactive steps to establish three new roundtables, providing platforms for industry representatives and regional stakeholders to voice their concerns and contribute to policy discussions.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Dominique is deeply committed to social causes, particularly those addressing domestic and family violence.
Commissioner appointment
Dominique Lamb became the Small Business Commissioner on 23 December 2022 under the Small Business Commissioner Act 2022.
Statutory functions
The Queensland Small Business Commissioner (QSBC) commenced operation on 28 May 2020 under the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act 2020 (CER Act) and transitioned to a permanent service under the Small Business Commissioner Act 2022 (SBC Act) on 3 May 2022.
The main object of the SBC Act is to enhance the operating environment for small businesses in Queensland and reduce the time and costs associated with resolving disputes involving small businesses.
The SBC Act includes 8 functions for the small business commissioner (expanded from 5 under the temporary arrangements) including:
- to provide a central point of contact in relation to matters affecting small businesses; and
- to provide information and advisory services to the public about matters relating to small businesses; and
- to assist parties in reaching an informal resolution for small business disputes, including by facilitating the exchange of information between the parties; and
- to provide alternative dispute resolution services and administer a mediation process for small business disputes; and
- to advocate on behalf of small businesses to the State, the Commonwealth, another State or a local government; or any other entity involved in administering a matter relevant to small businesses; and
- to work collaboratively with the equivalent of the commissioner in other States or the Commonwealth to enhance conditions for small businesses; and
- to perform functions conferred on the commissioner under another Act; and
- to carry out other activities to further the objects of this Act, as directed by the Minister.
The QSBC provides a range of services for small businesses under the Small Business Commissioner Act 2022 including raising awareness, sharing information, advocacy, and providing support and assistance.
The QSBC also has jurisdiction of retail tenancy disputes and related mediations under the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994 (RSL Act).
The Small Business Commissioner may make certain decisions under the SBC Act 2022.
Annual reports
Statutory decisions
Statement of Expectations
Directions from the Minister
Under the SBC Act 2022, the Minister may give the commissioner a direction in writing.