At Assure Global Plus, we deal with business disputes every day — unpaid invoices, cash flow challenges, and business owners who just want to be given a fair shake. And while it’s easy to think legal action is the only way forward, it’s rarely the best first step. That’s why we sat down with Peter Maddock from the Queensland Small Business Commissioner (QSBC) to talk about the power of negotiation and the importance of early resolution.
Peter leads the team at the QSBC, where their focus is helping small businesses avoid the time, cost, and stress of legal battles. Their primary work involves leasing disputes—commercial and retail—but increasingly, they’re dealing with broader business-to-business issues involving debt recovery and non-payment. Their caseload is heavy, but they saved businesses in Queensland over $14 million dollars in fees and lost income in 2024.
So, what does dispute resolution really look like? According to Peter, it’s about helping people shift from storytelling to problem-solving. Most business owners arrive with a strong narratives about how they were wronged, but resolving the issue requires stepping back and focusing on outcomes, not blame. That’s where the real work begins.
Our CEO Michael Partis & Peter discussed how unclear lease terms (especially around maintenance and “make good” provisions), financial pressure, and communication breakdowns can spiral into full-blown disputes. But more often than not, these issues can be resolved through negotiation well before they end up in QCAT or court.
And that’s a critical point: right now, retail lease matters in Queensland take an average of 86 weeks to resolve through QCAT. And legal costs typically start at $10,000 or more before a single court date. Add to that the public nature of court decisions, the emotional toll, and the distraction from running your business and it’s easy to see why negotiated outcomes are not just a better option — they’re essential.
Michael & Peter unpacked real scenarios, smart strategies, and how to make better use of experts early on. Whether you’re in a dispute now or just want to be better prepared, this conversation is well worth your time.
👉 Watch the video to learn how negotiation, not litigation, can save your business time, money, and stress.
