The NSW Small Business Brief

Connecting with Small Business

Over July and August, I continued to connect directly with small businesses, industry representatives and business leaders across a diverse range of sectors and communities. I attended events including the Multicultural Professional Network Gala Dinner, where I delivered a speech to a culturally and linguistically diverse audience, as well as the NSW Farmers Annual Conference and ICA Annual Dinner, engaging with businesses across agriculture, forestry and fishing, and financial and insurance services.

Regional engagement was also a key focus, with my visit to Wagga Wagga for the Housing Industry Association Economics Lunch, where I delivered a keynote speech focused on the issues and opportunities facing the construction industry. I also attended the Meet Me in Wagga Wagga Chamber Networking Event, where I had the opportunity to hear directly from local businesses. Across these conversations, I’ve been hearing about the pressures businesses are facing, from rising costs and workforce challenges to the complexity of navigating regulation, as well as the importance of practical support that reflects the realities of running a business.

In August, I attended the COSBOA National Conference, bringing together small business representatives from across Australia. I delivered a speech on the key pressures and opportunities facing NSW small businesses, while continuing to advocate for the needs of small businesses. Importantly, these conversations have reinforced for me how valuable it is to listen directly to business owners. I’ve learned that while the challenges can vary significantly between industries and regions, there are common themes - businesses want regulation to be practical and proportionate, government programs to be accessible and responsive, and their experiences to genuinely inform government policy and programs.

Looking ahead to September, I’ll continue this engagement through a range of events across metropolitan and regional NSW, including a roundtable at the Pittwater Electorate Office in Warriewood, the Australian Women in Agriculture Connect to Cultivate event in Wongarbon, and Gather and Grow in Tamworth. I’m looking forward to continuing these conversations, listening to what small businesses are experiencing on the ground and taking those insights back into my work as NSW Small Business Commissioner.

Mediation in Action: Resolving a Commercial Lease Dispute

Even well-intentioned business arrangements can become complex. A recent dispute between a property owner and a medical tenant highlights how mediation can deliver practical, fair outcomes.

A doctor leasing a commercial suite initially appeared to be a strong, reliable tenant. However, over time, small but recurring rent arrears and irregular payments created uncertainty for the property owner, who depended on consistent income to meet mortgage obligations.

As the lease approached its end, arrears had accumulated and the situation escalated when the premises were vacated without notice. The owner was left concerned about outstanding payments and the future of the tenancy.

The managing agent contacted the NSW Small Business Commission, with mediation arranged within a few weeks.

Mediation provided a structured and neutral setting for both parties to share their perspectives. Importantly, it revealed underlying issues that had not been previously communicated. The tenant explained that establishing a private practice in a new location had been financially challenging. Patient demand had been slower than expected, surrounding vacancies impacted foot traffic, and rising operating costs created significant pressure.

For the owner, the focus was on recovering outstanding amounts and resolving the matter without prolonged legal action.

Through the mediation process, both parties shifted from frustration to resolution. A practical agreement was reached, including a structured repayment plan for arrears and arrangements to support re-letting the space, including transfer of the fit-out and promotion of the vacancy within the tenant’s network.

While not a perfect outcome for either party, mediation enabled a fair and workable resolution — avoiding escalation and providing certainty.

This case demonstrates the value of the NSW Small Business Commission’s mediation services in helping businesses resolve disputes quickly, cost-effectively, and with outcomes that allow all parties to move forward.