New commissioner to support and promote Victoria’s small businesses

commissioner, Victorian Small Business Commission

The Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) has announced Lynda McAlary-Smith has been appointed as its commissioner. McAlary-Smith is noted as an experienced public service executive, having served as Acting Deputy Fair Work Ombudsman and Executive Director of Regulatory Operations at the Victorian Building Authority.

In her new role, the Commissioner will help resolve disputes among Victoria’s small businesses, build their understanding of their rights and obligations, and advocate on their behalf.

“I’m thrilled to be stepping into the role of Victorian Small Business Commissioner at such a crucial time for so many small businesses across the state,” McAlary-Smith said. “A key focus for me will be to provide strong and collaborative leadership to the VSBC team so we can achieve a competitive and fair operating environment for small businesses and best support them in getting through to the other side of the pandemic.”

With McAlary-Smith at the helm, the VSBC will work on promoting informed decision making, the mediation of commercial disputes (including under the new Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme), advocating the rights of small-business owners, ensuring their mental wellbeing, and investigating of complaints about unfair market practices.

“Having lived and breathed the rewards and challenges of my parents running their own small business, I have a personal passion and appreciation for the hard work and the incredible value that small business people contribute to the wider community through their courage and entrepreneurship,” McAlaray-Smith said. “It will be an honour to build on the outstanding contributions of former Commissioner Judy O’Connell and Acting Commissioner Mark Schramm in working with the dedicated team at the VSBC to support Victoria’s small businesses to thrive.”