The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says the Startup Year initiative proposed in Labor’s budget reply could contribute to Australia having a world-class ecosystem for entrepreneurship.

Labor Leader Anthony Albanese’s budget response included a pitch for Startup Year, a program helping up to 2,000 of the nation’s most promising entrepreneurs commercialise their ideas and university research.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says small business tradespeople will be able to meet the demand for their skills wherever they are in Australia under new laws passed by the Senate.

The Australian Government’s Mutual Recognition Amendment Bill 2021, will make it easier for skilled workers to take up jobs across states and territories, without having to obtain a new licence for the same type of work in another jurisdiction.

Small and family businesses are benefiting from a significant boost in consumer sentiment, with new research revealing 93% of Aussies prefer to buy products made in Australia.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says while small businesses have faced more than their fair share of challenges in the past 12 months, the consumer-led rush for Australian made products has been a welcome unintended consequence of the pandemic.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says the significant reforms to the Franchising Code of Conduct announced by the Australian Government today will help level the playing field across the franchising sector.

Mr Billson says the reforms to the Code, which come into effect from 1 July 2021, will go a long way to addressing the power imbalances that often exist between franchisees and franchisors, particularly when disputes arise.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has today launched a Review of the Discretionary Mutual Fund proposed for small businesses in the amusement, leisure and recreation sector unable to secure essential insurance coverage.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson says his office will closely monitor Woolworths’ planned acquisition of a controlling stake in PFD Food services (PFD), in regards to the impact it has on small businesses in the sector.

Following the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) decision not to oppose Woolworths’ acquisition of 65% of shares in PFD, Mr Billson says small businesses in the food distribution space are understandably concerned.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has welcomed a new online tool for small business owners, designed to take the stress out of hiring their first employee.

The Employment Contract Tool – recently launched by the Australian Government – guides small business owners through a series of questions to generate an employment contract based on the specific terms and conditions of the relevant award.

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.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson is encouraging Australians to celebrate and support family businesses on National Family Business Day.

Speaking in a video marking the day, Mr Billson says family businesses need to be celebrated for the important role they play in our communities.

“Today is a day to acknowledge the extraordinary contribution family businesses make to our nation and communities,” Mr Billson says.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson today welcomed the announcement by the Commonwealth Bank that it will automatically lower costs incurred by small businesses and family enterprises with a turnover of less than $250,000.  

The Ombudsman has repeatedly called on banks and other financial institutions to adopt what is known as least cost routing to slash the high and hidden costs associated with electronic card payments for small operators and family enterprises.