Minister for Small Business, Katrina Hodgkinson, has confirmed the appointment of Robyn Hobbs OAM as the new NSW small business commissioner, for a five year term.

Hodgkinson said Hobbs will begin the role on February 25, 2014.

Hobbs founded Carols in the Domain in 1983 and previously worked with the Sydney Opera House, the City of Sydney, and is currently the manager executive support at the City of Parramatta.

“Ms Hobbs is an exemplary appointment as the next NSW small business commissioner and I have no doubt she will be a strong advocate on behalf of small business owners and operators,” Hodgkinson said.

“Following the passage of the Small Business Commissioner Bill through the NSW Parliament last year, the role was established as an independent statutory officer and the NSW Government began a competitive process to select a NSW small business commissioner.

“The NSW Government is committed to encouraging growth of small businesses in NSW, and today’s announcement of the appointment of Ms Hobbs as the NSW small business commissioner for a period of five years is a tangible demonstration of that commitment.”

Hobbs said she is thrilled to have been appointed as the NSW small business commissioner.

“This is a wonderful opportunity and I am excited to contribute to the growth of small businesses in NSW,” Hobbs said.

“The review of the Retail Leases Act will be one of my immediate challenges, but I look forward to working hard to identify and advise the NSW Government on ways it can reduce the regulatory burden on small businesses.”

Hodgkinson thanked Candace Barron, director of the Dispute Resolution Unit in the Office of the small business commissioner, for continuing as the Acting Small Businesses Commissioner until Hobbs starts in the role later this month.