COSBOA welcomes the government’s decision to keep the VSBC, calling it essential for fast, accessible dispute resolution tailored to small business needs.
What’s happening: The Victorian Government has rejected a recommendation from the Independent Review of the Victorian Public Service to abolish the Victorian Small Business Commission and transfer its functions to VCAT.
Why this matters: The decision to retain it demonstrates the government’s recognition that specialist bodies offer distinct value in serving small business needs, particularly when disputes require early, practical assistance and sector-specific guidance.
The Victorian Government has chosen to retain the Victorian Small Business Commission despite a recommendation from the Silver Review to abolish the agency, a decision that has been welcomed by the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia.
The Independent Review of the Victorian Public Service, known as the Silver Review, proposed abolishing the Victorian Small Business Commission and transferring its functions to VCAT. The Victorian Government has rejected this recommendation.
COSBOA Chair Matthew Addison said the decision ensures Victorian small businesses continue to have access to a dedicated, specialised body designed to provide practical support when disputes arise.
“The Victorian Small Business Commission provides fast, accessible and affordable dispute resolution tailored to the needs of small businesses,” Addison said. “Keeping the Commission in place preserves a support system that helps prevent issues from escalating and allows businesses to stay focused on their operations.”
Addison said COSBOA has long supported the role of specialist small business commissioners across Australia, and reiterated the importance of maintaining independent, small-business-specific expertise.
“Small businesses often require early, practical assistance when disputes arise. A general tribunal cannot always provide the same level of sector-specific guidance or responsiveness to resolve issues quickly and fairly,” he said.
“This decision provides Victorian small businesses certainty and maintains an important mechanism designed to keep commercial relationships on track.”
The value of specialist support
COSBOA’s position centres on the distinction between specialist bodies and general tribunals in serving small business needs. The organisation argues that small businesses benefit from dedicated support structures that understand their specific challenges and can respond quickly to prevent disputes from escalating.
COSBOA thanked the Victorian Government for considering the concerns of the small business community raised during the review process and reaffirmed its commitment to working with governments nationally to strengthen support structures for small businesses.
For Victorian small businesses, the decision provides continuity in access to dispute resolution services designed specifically for their needs. The commission will continue operating as a specialist body focused on providing practical assistance when disputes arise.
The retention of the VSBC following stakeholder feedback during the review process demonstrates that business community concerns were considered in the government’s decision-making.
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