Dominique Lamb: A True Champion for Small Business in Queensland

Dominique’s journey to becoming Queensland’s Small Business Commissioner is one for the books. It

all started with her first job, dressed as a clown handing out flyers for a homeware store. From there, she climbed the ranks in law, working with Doyles Construction Lawyers on major disputes like the one for Transgrid. She went on to lead the National Retail Association before stepping into her current role in December 2022.

Outside of her work, Dominique is a wife, mom of two young kids, and the owner of a Groodle named Ted and a 16-year-old overweight cat named Tish. She credits much of her success to a routine that keeps her focused making time for exercise and family every day.

Looking back on her career, Dominique says the toughest challenge she faced was overcoming self-doubt. “When opportunities came up, I always thought someone else would be a better fit for the role,” she says. “But I learned to back myself and rely on mentors who had different approaches and backgrounds. I had to shed that risk-averse lawyer mentality I spent years building.”

One of the biggest lessons she learned came from her time in construction law. “The most important thing I picked up was to pick up the phone. Always talk through news good or bad then follow up with the letter. It’s about being available for people to ask questions and have someone who’ll listen. Business is about real-world issues, not just the letter of the law.”

As Queensland’s Small Business Commissioner, Dominique leads the charge in supporting the 473,000 small businesses across the state. Her team helps resolve disputes, connects businesses with resources, and pushes for better outcomes from all levels of government. “We work on policy reform and engage with local government to make sure small businesses have a voice,” Dominique explains.

The construction sector, in particular, plays a big role in Queensland’s small business scene, with 65% of workers in the industry employed by small businesses. But even with the rise in construction businesses, profits have barely budged. Industry profits are up just 1%, while costs continue to rise, especially wages and material costs. Dominique sees the toll this takes on small businesses, which are forced to make tough calls.

“We’re seeing businesses soldier on, but it’s not easy. Rising costs, staff shortages, and unpredictable pricing make it tough to plan,” she says. “Small business owners need to track their cash flow, and using automated software can help a lot with that.”

Looking ahead, Queensland’s small businesses have a lot of potential. With the state’s population set to hit 8.27 million by 2046, there are huge opportunities, especially with the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon. “We need more infrastructure and services to keep up with this growth. There’s never been a better time for small businesses to get in on the action,” Dominique says.

Dominique’s advice to small business owners is simple: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Running a business is tough, and you don’t have to do it alone.” With her leadership, small businesses across Queensland are better equipped than ever to take on the challenges ahead and keep growing.

Image Credit:https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/