As I sit down to write this month’s column, it feels a little different—because it’s also my last as Queensland Small Business Commissioner. After nearly three years in this role, I’ll be stepping aside on 3 October 2025. While it’s not easy to say goodbye, it’s impossible not to feel grateful and proud when I look back at what we’ve achieved together.
Queensland’s 495,000 small businesses are nothing short of remarkable. Your resilience, creativity, and drive have been at the heart of every initiative and every conversation my team and I have had since December 2022. Together, we’ve tackled challenges head-on and celebrated the wins that remind us why small business is the beating heart of our state.
Looking back, a few highlights stand out:
- Helping thousands of businesses resolve disputes quickly and affordably through our mediation services—saving time, money, and stress.
- Growing the Small Business Friendly Program to 51 councils, now covering over 97% of Queensland’s small businesses.
- Championing reforms and reducing red tape through strong partnerships with industry, councils, and government.
- Supporting innovation at the local level, from initiatives like “Moreton Money” to tools like the Red Tape Portal, so no business is left behind.
And this month has been no different—full of opportunities to connect, listen, and advocate on your behalf. I was delighted to join my fellow Small Business Commissioners on a panel at the Australian Dispute Centre National Mediation Conference, sharing insights on how we can continue to make dispute resolution faster and fairer. I also had the chance to meet with the Tamborine Mountain Chamber of Commerce, where the energy and ideas from local businesses were truly inspiring.
Closer to home, working alongside Redbank Plains State High School business students continues to remind me that the future of Queensland business is bright—these young entrepreneurs are already showing creativity and drive well beyond their years. At the Digital Leadership Day, I spoke about the importance of digital transformation in keeping our small businesses competitive, and at the start of the month I participated in the QPC Construction Industry Reset Roundtable, ensuring the small business voice remains front and centre in the review.
As I hand the baton to the next Commissioner, I do so with confidence. The team at the Office of the Queensland Small Business Commissioner will continue to be your advocate, your mediator, and your partner in navigating both opportunities and challenges.
It has been the greatest privilege of my career to walk alongside you—to hear your stories, learn from your experiences, and support your success. Thank you for welcoming me into your world and for showing me, time and again, that small business really is big business for Queensland.
While I am moving on to a new role, my admiration for you and my belief in your future remains steadfast—I can’t wait to see what you achieve next!
With heartfelt thanks,
Dominique Lamb
Queensland Small Business Commissioner
For more details, read the QSBC newsletter September 2025