(a) to receive and deal
with, subject to section 15, complaints made by or on behalf of small
businesses (either on an individual or collective basis) regarding their
dealings with other businesses and government agencies,
(b) to investigate
complaints that are dealt with by the Commissioner or to refer any such
complaint to such other person or body as the Commissioner considers
appropriate,
(c) to provide low cost alternative dispute resolution services
for small businesses,
(d) to make representations or take any action on
behalf of small businesses (including making applications to be joined as a
party in proceedings involving a small business) either at the Commissioner's
own initiative or at the request of a small business,
(e) to conduct
investigations into the way in which small businesses are treated by other
businesses or government agencies,
(f) to facilitate the development of codes
of practice by industry that deal with issues concerning the small business
sector,
(g) to advise the Minister, either at the Commissioner's own
initiative or at the request of the Minister, on any matter affecting small
businesses or that is relevant to the Commissioner's objectives or functions.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the Commissioner may do any other act or
thing that is necessary or convenient for giving effect to the Commissioner's
objectives.
