A multicultural leaders roundtable held on Monday revealed small business owners of diverse backgrounds are wanting to know more about how to resolve business disputes and create workplaces that are healthy and safe.
WorkSafe Victoria and the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) hosted the event to engage with key business and community leaders about small business barriers and available supports.
Minister for Small Business the Hon Adem Somyurek MP opened the event, following his recent launch of the VSBC’s translated business resources. “Small businesses are the engine room of Victoria’s economy and the Victorian Government is committed to supporting our diverse multicultural small businesses to grow and prosper,” Minister Somyurek said.
Those taking part in roundtable discussions included Vietnamese, Indian, Afghan, Turkish, Spanish, Chinese and Arabic-speaking business and community leaders, as well as representatives from the Victorian Multicultural Commission and Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia.
Commissioner Judy O’Connell said a key outcome was the start of valued partnerships with culturally diverse business and community leaders. “It’s so important that small business owners of diverse backgrounds are aware of our low cost service that can help them to resolve a business dispute without the costly fees and time that come with going through the courts,” Commissioner O’Connell said.
WorkSafe Victoria Chief Executive Colin Radford said it was important to discuss health and safety issues with small business owners to ensure they understood their obligations in the workplace.
“The meeting was about giving Victoria’s vibrant multicultural communities the information they need to take practical steps towards making their workplaces safer,” Mr Radford said.
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