The NSW Government’s Dispute Resolution Unit (DRU) has handled over 37,000 enquiries over the last three years according to new data. The number of enquiries from small businesses has increased each year over this period.

Minister for Small Business John Barilaro said new data shows how the government is sparing small businesses from the burden of mediation and helping them get back to business when engaged in disputes.
Over 94 percent of enquiries handled by the DRU are resolved prior to a Court or tribunal making a determination with 2,000 hours of advice and guidance provided to small businesses last year alone.

Businesses making the most of the DRU’s services include hairdressers, food outlets, trades people, IT services and medical professionals. The service also assists landlords, real estate agents, legal professionals and other small business.