ASBFEO understands the challenges facing small businesses and family enterprises. We also know that when we collaborate with our peers, we are more successful on improving policies, offer timely and considered advice and provide access to dispute resolution services which meets the needs of our small and family businesses. Find out the latest news from our peers on our Media Centre.
The ASBFEO also works closely with federal government regulatory authorities to advocate for changes to policies which affect small businesses and family enterprises. Find out the latest developments from our federal regulatory authorities on our Media Centre.
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
Promotes competition and fair trade in markets to benefit consumers, businesses, and the community. The ACCC provides extensive information on how to protect a business’ rights and protections, treat customers fairly, setting prices and surcharges, industry codes, business rules for selling products and advertising services, franchising and more.
The ACCC produces a twice-yearly report, Small Business in Focus, on their work and activities in the small business sector. Visit the website or call the Infocentre on 1300 302 502.
Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
Assists small businesses and family enterprises to apply for a company or business name. You can do this by checking the availability of the name you want to use, then you can register a company/business, learn about your obligations as a company director and why record keeping is a legal requirement for tax purposes.
Download the ASIC guide for small business directors for further assistance.
Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
Offers a range of services and resources to help small businesses and family enterprises understand and comply with their tax requirements. The ATO website has information on preparing and lodging your BAS, Tax File Number essentials, superannuation, digital record keeping, electronic payment systems, and an app you can download for free.
You can visit the ATO website, call the Business helpline on 13 10 20, or the AUSkey enquiries line on 1300 287 539.
Inspector-General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman
If you have a complaint or dispute with the ATO and have not been able to resolve the issue with them, the Inspector-General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman may be able to help.
They address concerns/complaints about administrative actions of the ATO and the Tax Practitioners Board. E.g. response times, conduct of officers, availability of services, or if an auditor has considered all relevant information. Ph: 1300 448 829
The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO)
Assists small business with information about workplace rights and obligations, such as pay and entitlements. Use the pay, shift, leave, notice and redundancy calculators to work out what you need to pay your employees.
The FWO is also able to help you understand what your workplace rights and obligations are, no matter what stage your business is at. It also has all the information you need regards workplace entitlements and obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes information on vaccinations and the workplace.
There are so many useful resources and sources of information which assist and support small businesses and family enterprises to run their business.
Business.gov.au
One of the best sources of online information, business.gov.au offers help on how to plan, start, grow or sell your small business or family enterprise (and everything in between).
This site provides you with government information, assistance, forms and services, including a Grants and Assistance Finder, free tools and resources, how to comply with government tax, free apps, insurance information and how to employ workers.
Business Registration Service (BRS)
A free service provided by the Commonwealth Government that offers a simpler, clearer and faster way to register a business. The BRS joins-up a range of existing Commonwealth Government services to provide a streamlined and improved user experience, reducing the time to register as a new business, or apply for additional registrations. It supports existing businesses and business intenders, to meet their obligations and avoid applying for registrations that they don’t need.
Australian Business Licence and Information Service
The ABLIS Helps you find information on government licences, permits, approvals, registrations, codes of practice, standards and guidelines to meet your compliance responsibilities.
Australian Financial Security Authority
If your business is struggling with debt, it’s important to seek help straight away from an accountant or free financial counsellor. They will assess your situation and provide advice on how to manage your debt. Find information on the Australian Financial Security Authority website.
AusTrade
AusTrade provides general information, free of charge to Australian companies, about exporting and doing business in international markets. Find out about export markets, grants, free trade agreements and how to expand your business outside Australia.
IP Australia
IP Australia helps businesses to learn about trademarks, copyright, and business, patent and design registrations.
Online BAS Agent Register
Online BAS Agent Register (TPB Register) contains registration details of registered and deregistered tax and BAS agents and tax (financial) advisers.
SME Assist
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)’s SME Assist service is designed to help small to medium enterprises (SMEs), start-ups, researchers and anyone unfamiliar with therapeutic goods regulation to better understand regulatory requirements. The service includes guidance articles, interactive decision tools, educational workshops and a subscription service to keep you up-to-date with the latest SME Assist information.
Stay Smart Online
Stay Smart Online is a great online resource to find tips and guidance to protect your business' safety online.
The states of New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia all have dedicated Small Business Commissioners, who assist small businesses to deal with business-to-business disputes and business-to-government disputes.
NSW Small Business Commissioner
Phone: 1300 795 534 or 02 8222 4800
Email: we.assist@smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au
Victorian Small Business Commissioner
Phone: 13 87 22
Email: enquiries@vsbc.vic.gov.au
Western Australian Small Business Development Corporation
Phone: 133 140 or 08 6552 3300
Email: info@smallbusiness.wa.gov.au
South Australian Small Business Commissioner
Phone: 1800 072 722
Email: sasbc@sa.gov.au
Queensland Small Business Commissioner
Phone: 1300 312 344
Contact the QSBC
Australian Business Licence and Information Service – ABLIS helps you find information on government licences, permits, approvals, registrations, codes of practice, standards and guidelines to meet your compliance responsibilities.
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) – The Australian Chamber is Australia's largest and most representative business association, comprising state and territory chambers of commerce and national industry associations. ACCI represents more than 300,000 businesses and speaks on their behalf to government and the community.
Australian Financial Security Authority – If your business is struggling with debt, it’s important to seek help straight away from an accountant or free financial counsellor. They will assess your situation and provide advice on how to manage your debt.
Australian Institute of Business Brokers – This industry body represents and provides support services to professional business brokers involved in the facilitation of business ownership from one party to another.
AusTrade – Austrade provides general information, free of charge to Australian companies, about exporting and doing business in international markets. Find out about export markets, grants, free trade agreements and how to expand your business outside Australia.
Be MoneySmart – Training is the best way to take control of your finances; there are a number of free or low-cost training options available through Be MoneySmart to give you the right start.
Fair Work Ombudsman – The Fair Work Ombudsman provides information and advice about workplace rights and obligations, including how to hire staff and calculate employee pay and leave.
IP Australia – Through IP Australia’s website, you can learn about trademarks, copyright, and business, patent and design registrations.
Online BAS Agent Register – The TPB Register contains registration details of registered and deregistered tax and BAS agents and tax (financial) advisers.
SME Assist – The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)’s SME Assist service is designed to help small to medium enterprises (SMEs), start-ups, researchers and anyone unfamiliar with therapeutic goods regulation to better understand regulatory requirements. The service includes guidance articles, interactive decision tools, educational workshops and a subscription service to keep you up-to-date with the latest SME Assist information.
Stay Smart Online – This is a great online resource to find tips and guidance to protect your business' safety online.
Inspector-General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman
If you have a complaint or dispute with the ATO and have not been able to resolve the issue directly with them, the Inspector-General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman may be able to help you.
The Inspector-General and Taxation Ombudsman can help to address concerns or complaints about the administrative actions of the ATO or Tax Practitioners Board. Examples of administrative action include the time it takes to get a response, the conduct of officers, the availability of services, or whether an auditor has considered all the relevant information.
Phone: 1300 448 829
Website: www.igt.gov.au
An Australian Business Number (ABN) is a unique 11 digit number that identifies your business to the government and the community.
You can register online as a sole trader, partnership or a trust for an ABN at the Australian Business Register website.
The Business Registration Service, or BRS, is a free service provided by the Commonwealth government that offers a simpler, clearer and faster way to register a business.
BRS joins-up a range of existing Commonwealth government services to provide a streamlined and improved user experience that reduces the time to register as a new business, or apply for additional registrations. It supports existing businesses, and business intenders, to meet their obligations and avoid applying for registrations that they don’t need.
The BRS is available at register.business.gov.au.
We are connected with key small business and family enterprise stakeholders, and through this network, we work together to support businesses across all industries.
ASBFEO understands the challenges facing small businesses and family enterprises. Find out the latest developments by our networks on our Media Centre.
Air Conditioning & Mechanical Contractors Association of Australia represents businesses operating in the commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry.
Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) represents the interests of all businesses within the Australian convenience store channel.
Australian Banking Association (ABA) is an association of 20 member banks in Australia. The ABA works with government, regulators and other stakeholders to improve public awareness and understanding of the industry’s contribution to the economy and to ensure Australia’s banking customers continue to benefit from a stable, competitive and accessible banking industry.
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is Australia’s largest and most representative business network. The members of ACCI are state and territory chambers of commerce, national industry associations and a council of business leaders from individual enterprises.
Australian Computer Society is an association for information and communications technology professionals with over 48,000 members Australia-wide.
Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association (ACAPMA) is the national peak body representing the interests of the fuel wholesale, distribution, and retail industry in Australia.
Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA) is the peak national body for dentists. A voluntary member organisation with branches in every state and territory.
Australian Hotels Association (AHA) is an organisation of employers in the hospitality and liquor industry registered under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009. The AHA represents the interests of more than 5,000 members across Australia serviced by branches operating in every state and territory plus a Canberra-based National Office.
Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) is a peak national employer organisation representing traditional, innovative and emerging industry sectors. We have been acting on behalf of businesses across Australia for nearly 150 years. Together with partner organisations we represent the interests of more than 60,000 businesses employing more than 1 million staff.
Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) is Australia’s peak representative body and advocacy group for those in the digital ecosystem.
Australian Institute of Business Brokers This industry body represents and provides support services to professional business brokers involved in the facilitation of business ownership from one party to another.
Australian Retailers Association is Australia’s oldest, largest, and most diverse retail body, representing a $360bn sector which employs 1.3 million Australians.
Australian Trucking Association (ATA) and its member associations collectively represent 50,000 businesses and 200,000 people in the Australian trucking industry. Together we are committed to safety, professionalism and viability.
Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand represents more than 131,673 financial professionals, supporting them to make a difference to the businesses, organisations, and communities in which they work and live.
Commercial and Asset Finance Brokers Association Australia is the industry association for professional commercial finance brokers in Australia. The members of CAFBAA include over 1,000 firms and brokers nationwide.
Consult Australia is the industry association that proudly represents small, medium, and large businesses in design, advisory, and engineering.
Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) advocates on small business issues ranging from taxation and workplace relations, through to competition law and retail tenancy.
CPA Australia is one of the world's largest accounting bodies, with more than 168,000 members in over 100 countries, supported by 19 offices globally. Employees and members work together with local and international bodies to represent the views and concerns of the profession to governments, regulators, industries, academia, and the public.
Energy Consumers Australia is an independent, national voice for residential and small business energy consumers.
Family Business Australia has a range of information and tools to help family enterprises develop strategies and actions plans to manage and grow their business. Family Business Australia accredited advisers can provide advice on a range of issues, from how to establish a family council to setting up a board of directors.
Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA) is the nation’s leading broker association for finance and mortgage professionals. We represent, educate and support more than 8500 brokers across the country.
First Australians Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FACCI) is the Peak Body for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Businesses and their Representative Bodies. FACCI was established by the National Network of Indigenous Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations in April 2015 to represent the interests of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Businesses and to act as the Key Conduit between the First Australians Business Sector, Government and Corporate Australia.
Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) is the peak business organisation representing a compliant, sustainable, and profitable franchise sector.
Housing Industry Association is the peak national industry association for the residential construction and home building, renovation, and development industry in Australia.
Independent Contractors Australia (ICA) is a not-for-profit association formed to protect the rights of independent contractors and all self-employed people to be treated fairly, justly, and equitably in Australia.
Independent Food Distributors Australia is the premier representative body within the $11 billion independent food distribution industry in Australia that directly and indirectly employs tens of thousands of Australians.
Institute of Certified Bookkeepers is the largest bookkeeping institute in the world. It promotes and maintains the standards of bookkeeping as a profession, through the establishment of a series of relevant qualifications and the award of grades of membership that recognise academic attainment, working experience and competence.
Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) the IPA aims to support small businesses and their productivity, growth, and prosperity to make genuine economic contribution.
Law Council of Australia is an association of law societies and bar associations from the states and territories of Australia, and the peak body representing the legal profession in Australia.
Master Builders Australia (MBA) promotes the interests, viewpoints and contribution of its 32,000 members and Australia's $200 billion building and construction industry.
Master Grocers Association is a nationally registered not for profit Industry Employer Association. MGA represents independent grocery, liquor and timber & hardware store owners and operators in all States and Territories of Australia.
Master Plumbers is an association of specialist contractors committed to providing the best practices in plumbing, draining and gas fitting for the protection of public health, safety, and the environment.
Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) represents over 14,000 members and contributes to a healthy, competitive finance industry through advocacy, education and business-building support.
National Farmers’ Federation is the peak national body representing farmers and, more broadly, agriculture across Australia. It is one of Australia’s foremost and respected advocacy organisations.
National Retail Association is a not-for-profit organisation that represents the interests of retailers across Australia.
National Road Transport Association is Australia's only nation-wide industry association for road transport operators.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia is a national employers’ organisation registered under the federal Fair Work Act 2009, with over 90 years of experience in representing and promoting the value of community pharmacy in the Australian health care system.
Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) works to represent Australia’s real estate professionals on a wide range of important issues affecting Australia’s property market.
Restaurant & Catering Australia (R&CA) is the peak industry body representing over 47,000 cafes, restaurants, and catering businesses across Australia. The members of R&CA are owners and operators of restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, catering companies, takeaway businesses, and function centres.
Retail Drinks Australia is a national industry body that represents the interests of Australia’s packaged retail liquor stores, providing unwavering leadership, advocacy, and support for its members.
Small Business Association of Australia (SBAA) is an active organisation that supports and advocates for the SME sector.
Small Business Mentoring Service is an incorporated not-for-profit association that started its journey in 1986 with just 14 members. Today there are around 200 Mentors, both male and female across Australia, who have the skills and experience to help small businesses.
Small Enterprise Association of Australia & New Zealand is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee that is an independent voice in understanding the nature of small firms, how they operate and how they might be supported by government, industry, and academia.
Supply Nation works towards a prosperous, vibrant, and sustainable Indigenous business sector.