When the Office of the Victorian Small Business Commissioner was first established in May 2003, expressions of interest were called for from suitably qualified persons to be appointed to the Panel of Dispute Resolution. Those on the Panel assist the Small Business Commissioner to carry out the functions of mediation and alternative dispute resolution of small business, retail tenancy and owner driver and forestry contractor disputes.

Under the Small Business Commissioner Act 2003, the Small Business Commissioner has the following function (s. 5(2)(c)):
 - to receive and investigate complaints by small businesses regarding unfair market practices and mediate between the parties involved in the complaint

The Small Business Commissioner also has dispute resolution functions under Part 10 of the Retail Leases Act 2003 and Part 5 of the Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors Act 2005.

As at 31 March 2009, over 5500 matters have been referred to the VSBC.

The VSBC has formed an experienced Panel of Dispute Resolution to ensure a high quality mediation service.  When appointing mediators the VSBC looks primarily for those who have a working knowledge of the relevant Acts; the Small Business Commissioner Act 2003, the Retail Leases Act 2003 and the Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors Act 2005, and those with suitable mediation experience.  It is the view of the VSBC that mediators who can meet the criteria will have the best chance of resolving the dispute successfully. 

The VSBC is always looking for mediators who are suitably experienced, so if you're a mediator with relevant skills and experience, please contact the VSBC on 03 9651 9967 or 03 9651 9316.