About the Small Business Commissioner

Commencing 25 September 2021 Nerissa Kilvert has been appointed by the Governor as the South Australian Small Business Commissioner.

The role of Small Business Commissioner, under the Small Business Commissioner Act 2011, includes facilitating the resolution of complaints, alternative dispute resolution for business disputes, providing information to small businesses and advocating on their behalf.

Nerissa has significant leadership experience and management expertise. Her previous experience includes heading up the Regulatory Services section of Consumer and Business Services within the Attorney-General’s Department, where she provided strategic leadership and management of the division’s regulatory, policy and legislative reform responsibilities. Nerissa has experience working successfully with Ministers, Senior Officials, government agencies, local councils, and a diverse range of other stakeholders, including representatives of the hospitality, building, tenancy, retail, legal and not-for-profit sectors.

Nerissa has a Bachelor in Laws and Legal Practice and is admitted to practice as a solicitor and barrister of the Supreme Court of South Australia and the High Court of Australia. She has completed a Bachelor of Behavioural Science and a Diploma in Project Management. Nerissa has also worked as a solicitor at the Crown Solicitor’s Office and in private practice, as well as in roles at the Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner, the District Court of South Australia and Adelaide Magistrates Court Advice Clinic.

The Commissioner welcomes opportunities to share information about the assistance and services offered by the Office and the South Australian Small Business Commissioner and regularly attends and speaks at meetings, presentations, functions and educational workshops. If you have a request for the Commissioner to attend your event or function, please click here.