We are working hard to improve the experience of small business employers accessing our services. The Small Business Hub can help you find the information you need.
As a small business owner, the most common reason for you to visit us is to respond to a claim. Our role is to help resolve issues or disputes in the workplace. We also set minimum wages and conditions, and regulate registered organisations.
We regularly deal with disputes between employers and employees that happen in the workplace. When people apply to us to deal with issues, they start a legal process. If your business is named in an application, we will contact you. It is important you respond.
We know this can be hard but we are here to help. Our staff can explain our processes and direct you to information and forms on our website. We will work with you can the other party to agree on a solution. If the issue cannot be resolved, a Commission Member may decide the outcome of the case . This decision is legally binding. See about us to learn more about our role.
What's new
Sunsetting of pre-2010 agreements
Some pre-2010 agreements will automatically terminate ('sunset') on 7 December 2023. If you have a pre-2010 agreement, you must inform employees in writing by 7 June 2023. You can apply to us to extend the agreement. For more information see:
Bargaining and agreement changes
On 6 June 2023, new bargaining and agreement provisions come into effect. We have developed an information pack to help you:
Assistance for small business
Understand how we can support you and where to find help if we can't.
What is a ‘small business’?
The law defines a small business as having fewer than 15 employees.
Types of workplace disputes
Understand the different types of disputes you can be involved in.
Respond to a claim against a business
It is important to respond and tell us your side.
Dismissal rules for small business owners
Understand what a fair dismissal process looks like.
Initiatives to help small business
The work we are doing to help small business.