The State Government is making it easier for small businesses to do business in NSW, the Member for Ballina, Don Page, said today.

The NSW Small Business Commissioner, Yasmin King, has released a report on the results of her recent Listening Tour of the state, where she met with business owners to talk about the issues affecting the sector.

"Ms King's report on the Listening Tour highlights the key issues raised and provides an initial update on work already undertaken to ensure this vital sector of the NSW economy continues to thrive," Mr Page said.

"Small businesses are the backbone of the NSW economy, providing employment for around half the workforce," Mr Page said.

"Ms King met with 533 small business operators during her month-long tour of NSW which included a meeting in the Northern Rivers," he said.

"A vibrant small business sector is vital to regional areas like the Ballina electorate.

"If our small businesses are suffering, that has a flow-on impact on employment and the local economy," Mr Page said.

"In the lead-up to the last election, the Liberals and Nationals pledged to support small businesses in NSW and Ms King's appointment and subsequent listening tour is evidence we are doing just that," he said.

"A number of actions have been developed in response to the issues raised by small business operators on the Listening Tour."

Some of the actions include establishing a small business assistance phone line, liaising between local councils, WorkCover and small businesses, reviewing NSW Government programs provided for small businesses, and providing low cost dispute resolution for small businesses subjected to unfair market practices in their dealings with other businesses and government agencies or local councils.

"The NSW Government is currently drafting legislation to formally establish the role and functions of the Small Business Commissioner.  This will include the necessary authority to help small businesses when they are dealt with unfairly by the Government.

"Small business operators who believe they have been treated unfairly by another business, Government agency or local council are urged to contact the Small Business Commissioner for help," Mr Page said.

The NSW Small Business Commissioner's 2011 Listening Tour Report entitled "Giving small business a big say" can be found at www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au.