Small Business Commissioner

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business) (14:26): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: The state's inaugural Small Business Commissioner, Mr Mike Sinkunas, has tendered his resignation from the position. He is retiring after more than 40 years in the workforce. As such, a search for a new Small Business Commissioner is underway, and the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment and the Department of State Development will lead the process. In the interim, Deputy Commissioner Professor Frank Zumbo will act in the commissioner's role until the recruitment process is complete and a new commissioner is appointed.

The Office of the Small Business Commissioner provides small businesses, franchisees and tenants with a champion to help them through tough times, disputes and compliance issues. The office has made great headway since opening in 2012, with over 10,000 businesses having contacted the office, with a range of issues, seeking assistance. Significant assistance is provided to businesses at the initial assessment/inquiry stage with issues such as termination of lease or franchise agreement—

Mr Tarzia interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: —end of lease arrangements, outgoings and disclosure requirements.

I am confident that the next commissioner will continue this fantastic work and strive for better outcomes for South Australian small businesses.

The SPEAKER: I call the member for Hartley to order. The member for Colton.