The South Australian Government has appointed Dan van Holst Pellekaan as the state’s new Small Business Commissioner.
Mr van Holst Pellekaan will begin his three-year term on 11 August 2025, bringing extensive experience working with small businesses and public service.
With seven years of experience as a small business owner in the retail and hospitality sector, Mr van Holst Pellekaan has held positions as a board member and adviser to a number of commercial, infrastructure and service providing organisations.
He will lead the newly renamed Small Business Commission SA, reflecting an expanded role in supporting small business owners across the state.
Recent changes under the Small Business Commission Act 2011 mean the Commission now has greater authority to help resolve disputes and represent small business interests more effectively. It also reinforces the importance of independence in the Commissioner’s role when working with business owners, industry groups and government.
New changes include:
- Broader support for all sectors- whether operating in retail, hospitality, construction, farming, health, or professional services, all small businesses will receive an equal level of support.
- New dispute resolution process
- Businesses that reach an agreement through the Commission’s new process can now apply to the Magistrates Court to have that agreement enforced as a minor civil action. This provides a quicker, simpler and more cost-effective option for resolving disputes that progress beyond mediation.
The Small Business Commission SA remains a trusted advocate for South Australian small businesses, providing free support to resolve disputes quickly and fairly while helping business owners minimise disruption and stay focused on their business.
