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New Small Business Commissioner Begins Work  Small Businesses Nationals Member for Morwell and Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business Russell Northe has announced that Geoff Browne has begun work as Victoria’s new Small Business Commissioner. By Russell Northe - 25th October 2011 - Back to News "Following an extensive search, Mr Browne, formerly the Deputy Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria, has commenced as the Small Business Commissioner," Mr Northe said.
Mr Browne replaces Peter Lisle, who has been acting in the role for the past eighteen months, following Mr Mark Brennan's appointment as Director of Liquor Licensing.
"As Acting Small Business Commissioner, Mr Lisle was a tireless advocate for small business," Mr Northe said.
"This position has helped many Victorians avoid the disruption often associated with small business disputes and I thank Mr Lisle for his extremely valuable contribution.
"Mr Browne's strong leadership skills and his extensive experience in both the public and private sectors in senior management roles makes him an outstanding appointment to the role of Commissioner."
Mr Northe said the Office of the Victorian Small Business Commissioner is a State Government initiative established to promote a genuinely competitive and fair business environment for Victorian small businesses.
"It was established in May 2003 expressly to promote greater fairness in business through its four main functions: information and education, review of government practices, investigation of small business complaints and dispute resolution."
Mr Northe said the Victorian Small Business Commissioner is dedicated to promoting a competitive and fair operating environment for small business, and assists by:
- Supporting small business - Promoting informed decision-making - Mediating retail tenancy and owner driver and forestry contractor disputes - Investigating complaints about unfair market practices - Minimising disputes between small and large businesses, and - Encouraging small business-conscious government administration.
"If you are a small business operator and need assistance or advice on a range of important matters including dispute resolution, I encourage you to contact the Small Business Commissioner," said Mr Northe.
"Small business owners can discuss their concerns with an officer who can provide advice on resolving disputes and associated issues, and this is an important support and service for the small business sector."
The office of the Victorian Small Business Commissioner can be contacted on 03 9651 9967 or 03 9651 9316, or through the Victorian Business Line on 13 22 15.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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