September 2024 update from the Commissioner

October is NSW Small Business Month.  There are over over 300 events on offer, where small businesses can meet experts who can assist them and dive into topics like AI for business, financial management, import/export strategies, protecting creative assets and more. Don’t miss out—click here to explore the full program and secure your tickets now!

New workplace laws recently came into effect and employers should be aware of what the changes may mean for them. Key changes include new rights for casual employees to request permanent employment and employees’ right to disconnect outside work hours. Resources are available to support small businesses.

The Commission has repeated calls for stronger protections for small businesses in mixed-use strata schemes. Businesses affected by strata or broader property services issues are encouraged to contact the Commission for support and to make use of our Retail Tenancy guide.

This month, the Productivity Commission released a report into Early Childhood Education and Care. It was encouraging to see the concerns raised by my office raised acknowledged in the report, especially as many providers are small businesses. I particularly welcome the recommendation to conduct an independent review of the National Quality Framework to ensure regulatory requirements remain fit for purpose and supported by evidence.

I am also pleased to announce we will be launching a new course in November to support small businesses selling to the NSW Government. Registrations for the current Selling to the NSW Government Micro Skills online course through TAFE NSW will close on 31 October 2024. If you are interested in selling to the NSW Government, you can see our guide and factsheet for more information about what’s involved.