Small Business Commissioner Bill 2021 (Qld)

An Act to establish the office of small business commissioner and for related purposes, and to amend this Act, the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act 2020 and the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994 for particular purposes The Parliament of Queensland enacts—

Part 1 Preliminary

1 Short title This Act may be cited as the Small Business Commissioner Act 2021.

2 Commencement This Act commences on 1 March 2022.

3 Main object The main object of this Act is to establish the office of small business commissioner to— (a) enhance the operating environment for small businesses in Queensland; and (b) reduce the time and costs associated with resolving disputes involving small businesses.

4 Interpretation The dictionary in schedule 1 defines particular words used in this Act.

Part 2 Small business commissioner

Division 1 Establishment

5 Small business commissioner There is to be a small business commissioner.

6 Functions The main functions of the commissioner are— (a) to provide a central point of contact in relation to matters affecting small businesses; and (b) to provide information and advisory services to the public about matters relating to small businesses; and (c) to assist parties in reaching an informal resolution for small business disputes, including by facilitating the exchange of information between the parties; and (d) to provide alternative dispute resolution services and administer a mediation process for small business disputes; and (e) to advocate on behalf of small businesses to— (i) the State, the Commonwealth, another State or a local government; or (ii) any other entity involved in administering a matter relevant to small businesses; and (f) to work collaboratively with the equivalent of the commissioner in other States or the Commonwealth to enhance conditions for small businesses; and (g) to perform functions conferred on the commissioner under another Act; and (h) to carry out other activities to further the objects of this Act, as directed by the Minister.