The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Lynda McAlary-Smith, has welcomed the decision that the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will continue accepting credit card payments until 30 June 2027, describing it as a practical outcome that recognises the cash flow realities facing many Australian small businesses.

Ms McAlary-Smith said access to flexible payment options remains important for many small business and family enterprise operators who carefully manage cash flow while meeting their tax obligations.

On 11 March, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) is marking 10 years of advocating for small and family businesses, reflecting a decade of practical support, dispute resolution and advocating for fairer rules that allow small and family businesses to start, grow and succeed. 

Established under the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Act 2015, ASBFEO was created to do something simple but vital: level the playing field. 

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson, gives recognition and applauds women in small and family business ahead of International Women’s Day.  

“More than half a million Australian women say their main job is running a small business, representing 35 per cent of small business owners – the same share as across all business owners nationally, according to the ABS Census. 

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson is urging the Federal Government to deliver practical, targeted measures in the 2026–27 Budget to reduce costs, restore confidence and remove barriers that are holding back Australia’s small and family businesses.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, the Hon Bruce Billson has welcomed the announcement of the Lynda McAlary-Smith as his successor.

Ms McAlary-Smith is the current Victorian Small Business Commissioner and will commence in her new role on 11 March 2026 at the expiration of Mr Billson’s 5-year term.

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE: Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman and Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand

Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) are urged to educate themselves on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions measurement, as climate-related financial disclosures requirements for large businesses and some government entities, could see SMEs asked for their GHG emissions if they are a supplier.

Family owned businesses play a crucial role in the economy and our communities. Some of Australia’s most successful businesses are family businesses. They are also some of the most enduring, over generations, building a legacy in name and value to the Australian community. And for some of Australia’s largest businesses that once started out as a family business, their business success is also part of Australia’s economic fabric.

A national awareness campaign about a free tailored mental health support service for small business owners has begun, amid new research revealing the emotional toll on small business owners during the past year.